555 Turnersburg Hwy Statesville, NC 28625 704-881-0446

What does Winterizing your car actually mean

What does Winterizing your car actually mean?

Every year you hear it, but what does winterizing your car actually mean? Extreme cold can be hard on your vehicle, it is always a good idea to get it checked out by a mechanic at Our Service Center before the onset of extreme cold temperatures. It is important that we make sure you do not have any leaks, or mechanical compromises that cold temperatures could cause further damage. In most cases, this regular maintenance can prevent catastrophic damage to your engine.

  • Check Engine Fluid Levels: Oil, Coolant, Washer Fluid, and other fluids.

  • Test Battery & Replace if Necessary

  • Use Deicing Washer Fluid: Clean Windshield at Low Temps.

  • Switch to Synthetic Oil: Handles the Cold Better

  • Inspect Tire Tread: Replace if Near Wear Limit

  • Install Snow Tires if You Own Or Purchase a Set

  • Test Headlights & Taillights

  • Add & Inspect Winter Survival Kit

If you are interested in replacing your vehicle please check out Our Inventory

Is Your Car Pulling You In The Wrong Direction

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.

Cars Get Cold Too

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!


Do You Look Like Your Car

It's Not Just A Coincidence!

You've heard stories about people looking like their pets, but did you know that people can also go to great lengths when it comes to their cars. ? It might sound far-fetched, but a recent Facebook Post from Polizei NRW Hagen shows a car they pulled over. It was a BMW3 Series E-30 Touring with a matching trailer.

But what happens when you don't love your car the same as you used to?  It might be time to trade in your car for a new one. If you're not sure if it's time for an upgrade, ask yourself the following questions.

  • If the answer to the majority of these questions is no, then it might be time for a newer car. You'd be surprised how far your money can go when you're trading in your old car for a new one. Newer and Use Cars have so many features that make driving more enjoyable, such as Bluetooth connectivity, built-in navigation, and heated seats.

    It's pretty clear that people can get very passionate about their cars. Whether it's because they enjoy driving them or because they take pride in how they look, people put a lot of effort into keeping their cars looking and running great. If you're starting to feel like your car doesn't measure up anymore, call or stop by today.

    Our trade in process is easy and we will give you a fair value for your car. We will complete all the paperwork for you so you can start shopping for a new one that has all of the features and amenities that you want. Don't wait any longer to love your car again!

Stolen Car = Stolen Dreams

Can You Avoid The Nightmare?

You've waited  so long. You finally saved up enough money to buy your dream car. You do your research, take test drives, and find the perfect one. The day finally arrives when you drive off the lot in your new car.  You're on top of the world. But then, one day, your car is gone. It's been stolen. Your dream has become a nightmare. No one ever thinks it will happen to them. But every year, thousands of people have their cars stolen. And for many, the loss is more than just material - it's a devastating blow to their sense of security and well-being.

 

For victims of car theft, the experience can be traumatizing. Not only are they left without a means of transportation, but they also have to deal with the fallout from the crime. This can include everything from filing a police report to dealing with insurance claims.If you've been the victim of car theft, it's important to know that you're not alone. There are resources available to help you through this difficult time. And with a little effort, you can make sure that your car is returned to you safely

Most Stolen Cars Of 2021

According to a recent article from autoblog.com the most stolen cars of 2021 were.

  1. Chevrolet pickup (full-size): 48,206 total thefts

  2. Ford pickup (full-size): 47,999 total thefts

  3. Honda Civic: 31,673 total thefts

  4. Honda Accord: 30,274 total thefts

  5. Toyota Camry: 17,270 total thefts

  6. GMC pickup (full-size): 15,599 total thefts

  7. Nissan Altima: 14,108 total thefts

  8. Honda CR-V: 13,308 total thefts

  9. Jeep Cherokee / Grand Cherokee: 13,210 total thefts

  10. Toyota Corolla: 12,927 total thefts

 As you can see from the list above the most stolen cars are full-size pickup trucks followed by Honda Civic and Accord. Although these represent the most stolen vehicles it doesn't mean that these are the only ones being targeted. In fact, any car can be stolen regardless of make or model.

Always Lock Your Doors

This seems like common sense but you'd be surprised how many people don't do it. Always make sure to lock your doors, even if you're just running into the store for a quick errand. And don't leave your keys in the ignition - no matter how tempting it may be on a hot day.

Don't Leave Spare Keys In The Car

Another common mistake is leaving a spare key hidden in the car. This may seem like a good idea at the time, but it's just asking for trouble. If a thief finds your spare key, they now have easy access to your vehicle.

Install A Tracking Device With A Remote Kill Switch

If you're really concerned about your car being stolen, you can install a tracking device with a remote kill switch. This will allow you to track the location of your car if it's stolen, and even disable it if necessary. Typically they come with an app that you can use to track the location of your vehicle. Then remotely disable the car and notify the authorities who will then be able to apprehend the thief and return your vehicle.

Consider A Wheel Lock

A wheel lock is another good idea if you're worried about your car being stolen. This is a device that attaches to your wheel and makes it very difficult for a thief to drive away with your car. They're not 100% effective, but they can be a good deterrent.

Park In Well Lit Areas

Whenever possible, try to park in well lit areas and never leave packages or valuables in plain sight. Thieves often seek out easy targets of opportunity, so the less tempting your car is, the better. Although not full proof, putting valuables in the trunk is also a good i

Charged As An Accessory To Driving

Top Car Accessories Every Owner Should Try

As a car owner, you are constantly looking for ways to improve your driving experience and make your car more comfortable and efficient. One way to do this is to invest in some top accessories that can help you get the most out of your car. Here are some of the best accessories every car owner should try:

Portable Battery Charger & Jumper Box

If you are someone who is always on the go, a portable battery charger and jumper box is an absolute must. This handy accessory will allow you to charge your car battery on the go, so you never have to worry about being stranded with a dead battery. It is also great for jump starting your car if it ever dies while you are out and about.

Mirror Dash Cam

A mirror dash cam is a great way to improve your safety while driving. It allows you to see what is happening behind you without taking your eyes off the road. There are models that will record both the front and rear view , so you can get a complete picture of what is going on around you. This can be invaluable evidence if you are ever in an accident. Unfortunately there are people who intentionally cause accidents so that they can make an insurance claim. A dashboard camera will help you prove that you were not at fault if this ever happens to you.

Cigarette Lighter Splitter

If you are constantly using your cigarette lighter to charge your phone or power other devices, then a cigarette lighter splitter is a must. This will allow you to plug in multiple devices at once without having to unplug something else. This can be really useful if you are using your navigation system and need to keep your phone charged at the same time.

Frost Guard Windshield Mats

If you live in an area where it gets cold in the winter, then you know how frustrating it is to scrape ice off your windshield. Frost guard windshield mats are a great way to keep your windshield clear and prevent ice from building up. You can find mats that fit over your entire windshield or just the part that gets iced over. Some models come with mirror pockets so that you protect those from frost and snow build up

OBD Scanner Tool

An OBD scanner tool is a must for any car owner. It allows you to read the diagnostic codes that are stored in your car’s computer. This can be really helpful if you are trying to figure out why your check engine light is on. You can also use it to clear codes and reset your engine light if it comes on unnecessarily. Look for ones that have a phone app so that you can read the codes on your phone.

Remote Starter Phone App

If you have a remote starter, then you know how convenient it is to be able to start your car from inside your house. But what if you could start your car from anywhere? With a remote starter phone app, you can do just that. Many features include allowing others to use your vehicle as long as they have the phone app. This can be great for when your spouse or kids need to use the car but you are not home. Just make sure to set up some limits so that you don’t run up your car’s mileage too much.

These are only a few of the great accessories available to car owners. With so many options out there, it is easy to find something that will improve your driving experience. So don’t wait, start shopping for some new accessories today. Your car will thank you for it. Now that you have a list of wish list accessories it might be time to get a new car to put them in! After all, what better way to show off your new toys than in a stylish set of wheels?

Check out our latest models today and find the perfect one for you.



Loving Your Car When The Swirl Is Gone

Get The Touchless Car Wash Experience At Home

One of the reasons why touchless car washes are so popular is because they’re gentle on your car’s paint. You don’t have to worry about the harsh chemicals and abrasive brushes that can damage your vehicle’s finish.

Many professional car detailers will recommend touchless car washes for people who want to keep their car’s paint in pristine condition. If you have a new car, or if you just want to keep your car looking its best, a touchless car wash is a great option.

However if you want to take it a step further and get the full touchless car wash experience, you can replicate it at home with a few simple supplies. Best of all you'll get no more swirls, water spots, or other imperfections that come from traditional car washing methods.

What You'll Need.

  • A quality pressure washer

  • A foam cannon (a device that mixes car wash soap, water, and air to generate thick suds)

  • PH Neutral car soap

  • Microfiber wash and drying cloths

  • Leaf blower or other high power Car dryer

Let's get started:

  1. Avoid washing your car in direct sunlight or in the height of the day. Instead park your car in a shaded area or choose to wash your car on a cloudy day if possible. This helps prevent water spots from forming on your car’s paint.

  2. Thoroughly rinse the vehicle using a pressure washer working from top to bottom. This should remove any loose dirt and grime.

  3. Next, mix your car soap with water in the foam cannon following the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the suds to your car using the foam cannon, starting from the top and working your way down. Let the suds stay on the car for a few minutes to loosen any remaining dirt.

  4. Rinse the suds off your car using the pressure washer, working from the top down. Use a leaf blower or other high powered car dryer to remove any water from nooks and crannies where water could pooled and cause rust or other damage.

  5. Finally, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe down the car and remove any water spots.

And there you go! Now you know how to wash your car like a professional without ever having to touch it. This method is safe for all paint types and will leave your car’s paint looking shiny and new.

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