Shopping for a new car can sometimes be stressful, but we’re currently living in a virtual based world. How would you feel about purchasing a car completely on-line? This is an option that is becoming more and more possible, even through local dealerships! The real problem is now, “how do I even go about buying or shopping for a car on-line?”

Let us help by breaking down the easy steps to this process, so you can do it confidently!  

1. Make sure you have a budget set. 

When setting this number, don’t set it based on your monthly payment, but instead set it on the total cost of the vehicle, possible including interest. This will help you begin to narrow your search. 

2. Consider getting pre-approved for a loan. 

You can easily shop for loans through credit unions, banks, and other lenders on-line or through the phone. If you know the dealership you plan to buy through, call them so they can begin helping you get pre-approved for a loan. 

3. Find the right model for you.

If you don’t know the type of car you want, start doing research within your budget, look at car rankings and ratings. If you know your needs in a car, start using those to narrow your search even more. Websites such as Kelly Blue Book and Cars.com can be very helpful when it comes to researching cars and pricing. 

4. Look at your local dealership’s used cars on-line. 

If you are considering a used car, look on-line to see what the dealership has to offer. You can always call to talk about the car with a salesman or do your own research. Look up the dealership’s social media too, because typically they will post current car deals on it for both new and used. 

5. Take a test drive.

Obviously, this takes you away from strictly being on-line, but if you want to test drive there’s always an option, especially if it will help you narrow down your search. Many dealerships now offer test drives at your own home, where a salesman will bring the car to your home. 

6. Get your car delivered or finish it up at the dealership. 

Depending on the dealership you might have to go there to finalize your purchase, but many dealerships can now bring the paperwork and car to your home! If you do decide to go to the dealership make sure you know all the paperwork needed for the salesman so you won’t have to make several stops. 

These steps will vary based on where you live and how much of the process you truly want to be virtual, but these will guide you through the main steps. Start shopping on-line today, especially if you’re in need of a new car, but prefer to stay home! 

Tags: buy a new car, buying a used car
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Traveling with kids can be a lot at times, but how about traveling with your “fur babies”? Lots of individuals and families now travel with their pets regularly, maybe even daily! Pets are basically like little humans, but most people don’t practice car safety when traveling with them. Let’s look at 5 simple steps to take so you and your fur baby can be safe while traveling!

Place them in a crate or traveling seatbelt

People love their pets, everyone knows this, but there really are several things a pet can do to cause an accident. The number one way to keep them contained and avoid an accident is properly placing your pet in a crate, cage, or animal seatbelt system. This allows the pet to be contained, while traveling with you.

Don’t let your pet in the front seat

This is such a crucial safety rule when it comes to pets in cars. No matter what type of animal or how big they might be, the front seat is no place for them because airbags are not designed with your pet in mind. Yes, this safety tip means no holding your pet while you’re driving either. Your animal could cause you to have an accident while you’re holding them. Make sure you keep your pet in the back seat or in the back of the car because their cuddles are not worth both of your lives! 

Make sure your pet has identification

This is really important in case you are ever in an accident, or your pet escapes out of the car. It’s actually fairly common for a dog to run after another dog or squirrel when stopped on a road trip. An identification tag at least gives your pet a chance of being returned. If you happen to be in an accident, it can also help an officer identify who you are if your name is on their tag. 

Pay attention to a dog’s head out of the window

This safety tip is dog specific, but it’s important to pay attention to when you’re driving. Everyone knows most dogs love having their head out the window, but you should monitor how often they do this because it can result in ear infections. The other thing to pay attention to is how far your dog’s head is out of the window because if they’re constantly sticking it out too far, they could risk getting hit by something outside of the window. 

Pack for your pets 

Just like you pack for yourself, whether it’s your wallet or suitcase, it’s important to have items in your car for your pet as well. A water dish or water bottle, plus maybe a little food is always helpful to have on hand for any pet. A leash and poop bags are also handy to keep in the car just in case you have to use either of them. 

Traveling with your pets can be fun and easy, but it’s important to keep both them and yourself safe. These few simple steps can help save you from an accident and keep your fur babies safe while traveling. Your pet will thank you for caring for them so well and so will others on the road! 

Tags: animals, cats, dogs, trips
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Kids and traveling, how do those two words together make you feel? Those words are a nightmare for so many because kids are so quick to get bored, bicker with siblings and make the car a mess pretty quickly. Road trips don’t have always have to be dreaded, especially with a few car hacks to keep your car organized and your kids entertained. 

1. Tackle box for snacks

Car rides can be long at times or even cross over times of the day your child would usually eat a snack. If you’re going on long road trip this snack-hack is definitely for you! Go to your local Walmart, hardware store, or even on Amazon to buy a clear lure box with removable dividers. There are several different sizes you can buy based on your preference. 

Fill each compartment with different snacks such as: raisins, goldfish, nuts, mini cookies, nuts, dried fruit, candy, etc. Then when you’re in the car you can explain to your kids these are all their snacks for the road trip or you can refill them as you go, whatever you prefer. The boxes are easily washed out, refilled, or even decorated for another fun activity! 

2. Plastic cereal dispenser for a trash can

This one is pretty simple, but a great trick to keep your car clean. Go to the Dollar Store, Amazon or Walmart and buy a plastic container for cereal storage with a pouring lid. Put this container in your car and add a plastic bag or small garbage bag on the inside. Then when your kids have trash in the car they can pop open the pour lid, put the trash inside, and close it shut. This could also be really helpful if you have someone who struggles with car sickness because it easily can contain the smell. 

3. Silicone cupcake liners for cup holders

Not many people know about these, but they now make silicone cupcake liners so they can be reused instead of thrown away. These might be a little harder to find in store, but they can easily be ordered on Amazon for cheap. Put one in each cup holder, especially by your kid’s seat for all the spills and leaks. They are easy to wipe out, can be thrown in the dishwasher, and will save you from constantly wiping out that sticky car cup holder. 

4. Travel soap boxes for easy storage

Not sure how many people still use soap bar travel cases, but they can still be found at the Dollar Store or on Amazon. The best item to store in these are Crayons because they fit perfectly! You can also use the boxes to store cards, magnets, or any other small items your kids might use for activities in the car. They take up very little space and also prevent all the little pieces from ending up all around your car. 

5. Cutting board for a kids table

Ever wished there were tables in cars, even if it was a small one like they have in planes? Now dreams of having a car table can finally come true by using a metal baking sheet! This idea is perfect for kids to use as a table for drawing, keep things in place, play with magnets, or even to play cards with siblings. When your child decides they’re done with the tray it can easily be stored under a seat or in between the console and passenger seat. 

6. Window drawing

All you need for this fun car entertainment idea is a couple dry erase markers and a basic winter glove of any size. These items can be found in many different stores, but we’ve linked them through Amazon. Windows can work just like dry erase boards, so your kids can draw on the windows and easily erase it with the glove. The drawings and games are endless especially since it can all be erased. This creative idea might not be for toddlers, nor will every parent like the idea, but it is fun!

7. Sticky note count down

This one is simple, but could save you from the constant, “are we there yet?” question. Before going on your road trip pick up a package of sticky notes from any local store. Each sticky note will serve as numbers for a countdown on how much further or how much more time you have left on your trip. You can decide whether you want to go by miles, hours, or half hour increments. You can let your kids decorate each sticky note and work together to stick them on the car windows or dash board. Then while you’re on your trip they will slowly be removed the closer you get to your destination. It lessens the questions, while also giving your kids something to occupy their minds! 

8. Dollar store shower caddy to serve meals and drinks 

How often do you get fast food and face the nightmare of trying to help your child hold all the pieces of their meal on their lap? Or maybe you pass it back piece by piece? This small shower caddy could be your new best friend because it provides space for a drink and two compartments to place the food in the caddy.  You can place the meal in the caddy and then easily pass it back for your child to enjoy since everything is all in one place. These caddies can easily be found at the Dollar Store or on Amazon in multiple colors so each kid can have their own!

9. Travel binder

This idea takes a little more work, but could be a lifesaver on a long car ride. The supplies you use are based on your own opinion and your child’s age. You need a binder either one or two inch which can be found in several stores on Amazon, a three-hole punch, and then lots of activity sheets. These activity sheets could vary from coloring pages to word searches, even printable car games! This binder can keep your child entertained for hours, especially if they have no access to it before the ride begins. 

If you want to make the binder reusable then all you need are page slips, dry erase markers, and an eraser. You will just have to put the activity sheets in each cover, which you also wouldn’t need a hole punch for because they come pre-punched!

10. Suctioned shower trays 

This is another idea to keep all your kid’s small toys, food, or even cards organized and off the floor. All you need is a plastic shower tray that has suction cups so it can stick on your car window. These trays can be found in several stores and online in many different shapes and sizes. 

Tags: family, family vacatioins, tips for trips, travel, trip with kids, trips
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The cabin air filter is a part of every car, but many do not know much about the part. The purpose of the filter is to clean the air that comes into a car through the air-conditioning, heat, and vent system. The filter catches airborne material like dust to prevent respiratory problems in a car. 

Did you know a cabin air filter should typically be replaced every 12-15,000 miles? Have you ever had your filter replaced? Aside from mileage you should also pay attention to the air flow, noise from your air system, and bad odors. These could be signs that your cabin air filter needs changed. 

Cabin air filters can be located in a couple places within your car, typically behind the glove box or under the car dashboard. If you want to find and replace it yourself, you should be able to find details about it in the owner’s manual. If you would prefer to have someone do it for you, your local dealership can check and replace it fairly quick! 

If you replace your filter or have it replaced, look at the inside of it, especially if it’s been a while. There are many things that can be found inside of the filter including bugs, sticks, and grime. Let’s just say what you see, typically will make you want to replace it more often! 

When it comes to looking for a replacement filter, there are several options because there are several different filter materials, makes, and longevity in various filters. In order to figure out which one is best for your car, do a quick Google search or contact your local dealership for a recommendation. 

Whether you have a funky smell in your car or just feel like the ventilation system isn’t working well, check your cabin air filter. It’s important to breathe easy while you’re driving, so don’t forget to replace it! 

Tags: automobiles, breathe easier in vehcile, cabin air filters, car air filter, filter replacment, service
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The spread of the Corona Virus is the biggest topic in our world right now. You have probably disinfected your bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, but what about your cars? Do you think you can catch a virus from your car’s surfaces? Well the answer is YES, you absolutely can so we’ve collected some great tips to help you reduce the spread of the virus in your car!

1. What should I use to clean my vehicle?

Soap and water are always the best choice because it limits the amount of chemicals in your car, but alcohol is the most common cleaner used by automotive manufacturers. A natural cleaner sprayed on a paper towel or microfiber cloth can work well too. 

Statistics say the steering wheel has four times the amount of germs found on the average toilet seat! GROSS! Disinfecting products such as Lysol wipes can be used, especially for common surfaces like the steering wheel and radio, but use sparingly on leather seats. 

2. What products should I NOT use to clean my vehicle?

Never use hydrogen peroxide or bleach on your vehicle because it’ll damage your surfaces. Also never use ammonia-based products such as Windex on leather or radio touch screens because it will break down the material and damage it. 

MAKE SURE YOU NEVER COMBINE THESE PRODUCTS BELOW!

• Rubbing Alcohol + Bleach = Toxic Chloroform
• Bleach + Vinegar = Toxic Chlorine Gas
• Baking Soda + Vinegar = Ineffective Cleaning Solution
• Ammonia + Bleach = Toxic Chloramine Vapors
• Hydrogen Peroxide + Vinegar = Toxic Peracetic Acid

3. How often should I disinfect my car?

Disinfecting your car depends on how often you are driving. If you are driving daily, consider using a disinfecting wipe at the end of every day to wipe down your steering wheel, door handles, and radio. If you’re not driving often then just disinfect after a few uses or when you’ve been somewhere with lots of people. 

4. Wash your hands and sanitize!

The easiest way to prevent this virus from being on your car’s surfaces is by washing your hands! Wash your hands before you get in the car, when you get out, and sanitize before and after you get out in public areas, especially gas pumps! Keep a hand sanitizer in your car with at least 70% alcohol in it to use. 

5. Think about the interactions you’ll have before you get in your car!

If you’re going to get fast food, make sure you have your sanitizer to put on your hands before you get to the window and after they return your card and food. Know you need gas? Make sure you have napkins or Lysol wipes ready so you don’t touch the buttons or gas pump. Daily coffee run, just bring your own cup, immediately pour the drink in it and dispose of the store cup. 

Wash your hands, ALWAYS. Disinfect when you can. Try to think ahead! It’s important we stay clean, especially in our cars. Use these simple tips and stay healthy!

Tags: car cleaning tips, cleaning, disinfect, sanitize, washing
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The rainy season is here, which means when you’re driving you depend on your wiper blades a lot. It’s important you’re not that person leaning down so you can see under the water smudge or having to pull over because your wipers just aren’t doing their job. If you are that person or you just want to learn what wipers are best, then keep reading below for our recommendations when it comes to wiper blades. 

How often should I change my wiper blades?

Wipers should be changed twice a year. You can easily check your wipers by running your fingers up and down the rubber part to see if there are any ridges or cracks in the rubber. Another way to check your wipers is to turn them on and spray your cleaner, if there are any streaks or blurs left then you need to replace your wipers. 

How do I know which wipers to buy?

Wiper blades come in various sizes, which means they’re not universal for every vehicle. Look at your vehicle’s user manual or talk to someone at your local dealership or auto-parts store about which size is best for your car. Don’t worry, wipers are easy to install or you can have the dealership or auto-parts store install them for you. The type of wipers you buy are important so we included some of our top recommendations below!

Two of our top brands are Nissan Value Advantage Wiper and Mopar wiper blades. We carry both of these brands in our dealership, both in various sizes and models. They have great price points, along with versatility when it comes to their model options. As for other various wipers we have listed our top 4 depending on what you are wanting the wipers to do for your windshield.

Bosch ICON Wiper Blades– A higher price point, but also a longer life span than most blades. If you don’t live in an area with all types of weather then this might not be the best choice for you, but if you want a universal blade when it comes to weather this is your best choice. 

ANCO 31-series– This is one of the most budget friendly options and a top pick for those of you who do not experience much rain or snow. Although these are very budget friendly, if you get snow and ice these won’t last near as long as other wipers. 

Aero Premium All-Season Windshield Wiper Blades– These wipers are a perfect choice for those who live in the Midwest, especially during summer and fall. They have a great price point and reviewers love their ease when it comes to installation. 

Michelin Stealth Ultra Hybrid Wiper Blades– Last, but not least our pick for a top winter wiper choice. These feature a rubber blend different from others so the blade remains flexible through snow and ice. This wiper would be a great choice for your second change of the year, so you can be well prepared for the winter season. 

Tags: best wipers, rain, rainy days, wipers
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Now that winter is behind us and spring has decided to make an appearance, it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning – for your vehicle! Winters can be harsh on your car, which makes spring the perfect time to do some good maintenance and a deep clean.

Oil Change. A good rule of thumb is to get an oil change approximately every 5000 miles.  It’s an easy and inexpensive part of your vehicle maintenance and it really helps extend the efficiency and reliability of your vehicle.

A GOOD Car Wash – Inside and Out. More than just the aesthetic of having a clean car, giving your vehicle a good wash at the start of spring is a step toward maintaining the overall health of your car. Road salt left on the exterior for too long can deplete the color and corrode the metal. (And spring rain showers are not enough to rinse off all that winter grime). Don’t forget the wash the undercarriage as well – this is where a lot of the road salt tends to sit and cause problems.

Don’t forget about the interior.  Winter tends to encourage a trash buildup in the doors, nooks and crannies of vehicles. Take 20 minutes after your car wash and vacuum out the entire inside.

Replace Wiper Blades. Winter can be very harsh on wiper blades and small tears and cracks can appear without you being able to see them. With the onslaught of spring showers, you want to make sure that your wiper blades are up to snuff.

Check Tire Pressure and Alignment. Your tires are literally the cushion between you and the road, so it’s especially important to take care of them. We recommend checking your tire pressure monthly. Most newer vehicles will send you an alert when one or more tires has fallen below the recommended level.

Check the tread for wear and tear. Roads can be very slippery during spring rain storms, so you want to make sure you’re able to stop without sliding. You’ll want to rotate and align them in the spring as well.

Change Air Filters. You may not be using that AC just yet, but before it becomes an absolute necessity, make sure that your air filters are unclogged and replace them if necessary.

Review Your Insurance Policy. This is one of the vehicle maintenance items that people always forget about. Oftentimes, your agent will proactively reach out to you every so often, but if they don’t, spring is a good time to be proactive about it yourself. Are you in the most efficient policy for your family? Will you be adding a new teen driver to your policy soon? Call your agent and find out if there are any deals or discounts that you can get as well.

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Credit Score

When it comes to big purchases, credit score is something we constantly worry about. Whether you are starting to build your credit score or you have not made all your payments in time, these could possibly affect whether you could finance a car or not. Most people don’t realize how much a credit score determines when buying a car; the interest rate, monthly payment amount and your loan terms. We are here to give you the run down on credit score and even include some tips when it comes to getting approval to finance a car.

What is credit score?

Every person has a three-digit number which is determined by how you repay debt, this is called credit score. Lenders, banks, and in this case dealerships use these scores to approve a person for a loan or financing. Your score is not based on any personal information, just specifically on making on-time payments and your accounts being in good standing. Credit is not always an indicator of your financial standing, but it could mean you have a lot of borrowed money to pay on consistently.

Not only does your credit score determine your loan approval, but it also will determine your interest rate. The higher the credit score, the lower interest rate you will typically be charged. Make sure to keep building your score, especially before a financed purchase, because every lender has a different standard. Something most people do not know is you are more likely to get approved and get a better interest rate through a car dealership than a bank, so keep this in mind when you are buying a car. 

What does my credit score need to be to purchase a vehicle?

Overall a good credit score is considered 720 or higher. When it comes to buying a car many people underestimate how much car dealers really want to sell a car to you. This does not mean everyone will get approved, but your chances are higher than you think if your score is below 700. 

Another important unit to calculate is your credit utilization, also known as the percentage of available credit being used at the current time. For example, if you have 5 credit cards with $10,000 limits, your available line of credit is $50,000. If you owe $46,000 then lenders will be concerned you are tapped out because your utilization is 92%, and you only have 8% available. If you owe $10,000 then your available credit is 80% because you’re only utilizing 20%. This is another important factor to evaluate along with your credit score. 

Don’t stress if you have a low credit score because it’s possible you can still get approved! If you have a credit score under the needed level, you could always consider having a co-signer. If you have someone who is willing, a person with a higher credit score can co-sign onto the loan to help you get approved. If this is not an option for you, dealers and lenders can always work with you to find other potential lenders who might approve a loan based on your credit history. 

I’m looking into buying a car, but just learned about credit score, now what?

If you have a credit card, then you can typically find your credit report by logging onto your account. If you do not have a credit card or are struggling to find your credit score you can also visit sites such as creditkarma.com or nerdwallet.com to check your credit score for free without affecting your score. Knowing your score can help you have an idea of how easy the loan process might or might not be for you. 

If you are worried about getting approved, work on improving your credit before you start shopping. Also it’s easier to get approved for a pre-owned car than a new one so keep that in mind. Remember the longer you have your credit history the better, especially if you are making good payments on it. Work on paying your bills on time, don’t apply for any other credit, and keep old credit cards open instead of closing them. Discipline yourself to spend less than you make instead of accumulating debt on your credit cards. 

If you have already signed a loan to buy a car, then keep improving your credit and watch your scores. If the loan is high-rate and you have made all your payments on time, then after 6-12 months you might be able to refinance the loan for a lower interest rate. 

As long as you have a credit score you have a chance to get approved, so always make sure you try through both the dealership and your bank. If you do not get approved you can use these tips to build up your score, which could happen quicker than you might think. Don’t let your credit score get you down or keep you from buying a car. There are always ways to improve your score and get an opportunity to buy the car perfect for you!

Credit Scores: How To Understand Yours

https://www.nerdwallet.com/?trk=nw_gn_4.0

Tags: budget, buying a car, credit, credit score, finance, loan
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Summer is coming to a close, kids are back in school and families are starting to focus on getting things done other than blowing up pool floats. Fall is a busy time for all of us, but it’s also the perfect time to slowly start getting your vehicle ready for the winter, (yuck, the ‘w’ word), months ahead. Getting a head start in the fall means that you don’t have to scramble in once winter does hit and it may be too late.

The following are our Fall Car Care Tips to help get your vehicle ready for both fall AND winter. No need to have all these done at once. Spread the cost out over the fall so that by winter you’re safe and ready to drive! Here are our September Service Specials for Toyota  , Chrysler/Nissan , and Chevy Buick GMC.

Check your Tire Tread – you can visually check this yourself. The easiest way is to grab a penny and insert the penny into a tire groove on each one of the tires. Make sure that Abe Lincoln’s head is upside down and facing you. If you can see ALL of Abe’s head, it’s time to replace your tires. This isn’t a fool proof test though, depending on your tires, so if you have doubts, definitely bring your tires in to be checked by a service professional.
Check ALL your Lights – it will start getting darker sooner and you don’t want to be caught out driving at dusk with lights that don’t work. Grab a family member or friend and have them help you check to see that your brake lights, turn signals and high beams all work.
Check fluid levels – most vehicles will now alert you when you need to replace fluids or if there is a fluid leak, but if you have an older model vehicle, you will need to check for these manually yourself or have a service professional do an inspection.
Washer fluid – this is an easy issue to rectify yourself and washer fluid is inexpensive. But oftentimes people forget to refill this and then find themselves in a scary situation when “winter” weather creeps into fall months without warning.
Heating and Cooling – checking the HVAC system is something that is a little bit more difficult to do at home. Obviously, you can tell if your AC/Heat has completely stopped working, but if the system is on it’s way out, you may not notice right away until the temps drop drastically. But at a service center this is a quick test and they can tell you exactly how adequately yours is working.
Tire Pressure – air pressure in a tire decreases 1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change. This is something that you will want to check a few times each season. And the nice thing is that putting air in your tires is free!

Not just to help ensure your safety this fall and winter, keeping your car properly tuned can improve your gas mileage by an average of 4%* – everybody likes saving on gas money!

*source: The Car Care Council

Tags: care, tips, vehicles
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This beautiful weather also brings storms that could be very dangerous.  Tornados, hail, and white-out rain storms are prevalent this time of year.  We put together some tips on what to do if you find yourself stuck in a storm while you’re in your vehicle.

Tags: hail, tornado
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