Category Archives: Car Care

Premium vs Regular Gasoline

Premium VS. Regular Gasoline

When you’re at the gas pump, you’re given options – typically: Regular, Premium and Super (or Supreme or Premium Plus). But what’s the difference, other than the price? Regular gas has the lowest octane rating, Premium has a higher octane and Super (or Supreme or Premium Plus) has the highest octane. Octane is the measure of the fuel’s ability to resist “knock”. Knocking or pinging are the loud noises that occur when the air/fuel mixture is incorrect. The octane requirement of an engine changes depending on the compression ratio, mechanics and operation of the vehicle. If an engine knocks, it’s not working efficiently and might eventually cause damage.

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Where should I get my car serviced?

People always wonder, “Should I get my oil changed at a chain service center or at the dealership?” What about tire rotation or scheduled maintenance? While most people believe that they might save money taking their vehicles to chain service centers, in the long run, it’s safer and more cost effective to service your vehicle at a dealership.

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Driver Assist Features

Technology has advanced by leaps and bounds in the last several years. The same can be said for automotive-specific technology. We’re not just talking about entertainment and infotainment tech; though, of course, things like device-integration, wi-fi and touchscreen app-connect have come a long way, too. This article is about the all-new driver assist features that can be found on most new vehicles today. These features are just a hair’s breadth away from autonomous driving. Most are safety features, but some are simply helpful or convenient.

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What is scheduled maintenance?

If you didn’t know or aren’t sure – scheduled maintenance is the regular maintenance recommended by the manufacturer to keep your vehicle in its best condition. Many manufacturers require owners (and lessees) to perform this maintenance in order to keep the warranty valid. Maintenance schedules vary by brand and model, but most recommended services for gas-powered vehicles are similar.

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A Practical Winter Safety Checklist from Folsom Auto Mall

Winter in Folsom may not bring constant snow, but it absolutely brings cold mornings, heavy rain, fog, icy mountain passes, and unpredictable Sierra conditions. Keep your vehicle safe in winter means focusing on tires, batteries, brakes, visibility, and emergency readiness. At Folsom Auto Mall, we encourage drivers to winterize early — especially before holiday travel or trips toward Tahoe.

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Advantages of purchasing from your local franchised car dealership

Why buy your next car from a local, manufacturer-franchised dealership instead of wandering a dirt lot, dealing with a giant corporate machine, or clicking “Add to Cart” on a faceless website? Simple: people, protection, and peace of mind.

Real people, real accountability.
At a hometown franchise store, the folks you meet on day one are probably the same ones you’ll see in six months when you pop in for an oil change. They live where you live. If something isn’t right, you know exactly where to go—and they know they’ll see you at the grocery store. That kind of built-in accountability is hard to replicate behind a chatbot or a “buy here, pay here” lot that might close up shop tomorrow.

Factory backing and trained techs.
Franchised dealers are tied directly to the manufacturer. That means factory-trained technicians, genuine OEM parts, and the most current software updates and recall info. If you’re buying new, your warranty work gets handled right there. If you’re buying used, you can still benefit from certified inspections and extended coverage options that mystery lots can’t touch. 

Certified pre-owned isn’t just a sticker.
“Certified” at a manufacturer’s dealership actually means something: multipoint inspections, reconditioning to factory standards, and often better interest rates. The car on the ‘buy-here-pay-here’ lot might be clean, but do you know if the airbag was ever replaced? If the title is branded? If that check-engine light was “solved” with electrical tape? At a franchised dealership, those corners can’t be cut—the manufacturer won’t allow it.

Fast, fair financing.
Sure, you can get a loan online. But a local dealer can shop multiple banks and captive lenders for you, explain the fine print in plain terms, and structure payments to suit your lifestyle. They’ll also handle the annoying DMV paperwork, temp tags, taxes, and title work.

Service after the sale—because cars need love too.
Buying the car is just the start. You’ll need maintenance, maybe a recall fix or help syncing your phone when you upgrade. A franchised store has a service lounge, loaner cars, Saturday hours, and a phone number that gets answered by a human. That relationship can save you time and headaches for as long as you own the vehicle. You can’t service at an online retailer and smaller dealerships might not even have a service bay.

You CAN touch this!
You can sit in the car, drive it, pop the hood, see the service records (on pre-owned models), meet the service manager, and ask questions in person. “Test driving” a car online is definitely not the same and you can’t always trust that the car in the picture is the car you’re going to receive. What if it smells weird? How would you know? Visiting your local dealer allows you to shop in-person; get the whole experience – and be treated right.

Bottom line: Buying from a local, manufacturer-franchised dealership, like the ones at the Folsom Auto Mall, gives you backup, benefits, and a relationship that can last well past your first vehicle purchase. It’s your car—but now you’ve got a whole team in your corner! A local dealer invests in the community, gives you top dollar for your trade, helps get you approved for your loan and remembers your family. Choose Folsom and come take a test drive at the Folsom Auto Mall to see for yourself.

Why You Should Service Your Vehicle at a Franchised New Car Dealership

 
When it comes to vehicle maintenance, many car owners are faced with a variety of service options. From local independent shops to national chains, the choices can be overwhelming. However, one of the best choices for long-term vehicle care is to service your vehicle at a franchised new car dealership. Here are several compelling reasons why this should be your go-to option for maintenance and repair.

 

1. Expertise in Your Vehicle’s Brand

Franchised dealerships employ technicians who are specifically trained to work on your vehicle’s make and model. These experts have in-depth knowledge of the latest technology and systems specific to your car, which independent shops may not possess. Whether it’s advanced diagnostics, software updates, or specific repair procedures, the dealership staff are equipped with the knowledge and training to get the job done right. They undergo continuous training on the latest updates, recalls, and best practices, ensuring your car gets the highest quality service.

2. Access to Genuine OEM Parts

One of the most important aspects of vehicle maintenance is using the right parts. Dealerships use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, which are made to the exact specifications of your vehicle. OEM parts are designed for optimal performance and longevity, ensuring that your car runs as efficiently as possible. While independent shops may offer aftermarket parts, they might not always match the quality or durability of OEM parts, potentially leading to more frequent repairs down the line.

3. Warranty Protection

For many car owners, warranty coverage is a key consideration when it comes to vehicle maintenance. Most new cars come with a manufacturer warranty, which could be jeopardized if the vehicle is serviced at a non-authorized location. Servicing your vehicle at a franchised dealership ensures that you maintain your warranty protection. Dealerships adhere to manufacturer-specific guidelines, and their work is guaranteed, giving you peace of mind knowing that your warranty remains intact.

4. State-of-the-Art Equipment

Franchised new car dealerships are equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and equipment that are specifically designed for your vehicle. These tools can quickly identify issues, often before they become major problems. Independent shops may not have access to the latest technology or manufacturer-specific diagnostic tools, which can lead to misdiagnoses or longer repair times.

5. Comprehensive Service Records

When you bring your vehicle to a franchised dealership for service, all the work performed is documented in the dealership’s system. This creates a detailed service history that can be useful when selling your car or when you need to refer to past work. Having a comprehensive record of services performed by the dealership helps establish the value of your car, ensuring potential buyers or future dealerships can easily access your car’s maintenance history.

6. Manufacturer-Specific Recalls and Updates

If there are any recalls or service bulletins related to your vehicle, franchised new car dealerships are the first to know and can perform the necessary repairs or updates as part of your service. Dealerships are directly tied to the manufacturer, which means they are alerted about recalls faster than independent shops, ensuring your vehicle is up-to-date with any important safety or performance improvements.

7. Convenience and Additional Services

Dealerships often offer more than just routine maintenance. Many, like the ones at the Folsom Auto Mall, provide amenities like shuttle services, loaner cars, and even comfortable lounges with complimentary coffee and snacks to make your visit more comfortable. Additionally, many dealerships offer special service packages, loyalty rewards, and promotions that can help reduce the cost of maintenance over time. The convenience of having everything you need in one place can save you time and effort.

Servicing your vehicle at a franchised new car dealership offers unparalleled expertise, access to quality parts, and long-term benefits that can save you money and headaches. Whether it’s maintaining your warranty, protecting your investment, or ensuring that your car gets the best care possible, a franchised dealership is the ideal place to keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.