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.
Read the rest of this entryCategory Archives: Parts
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.
Read the rest of this entryHow to increase fuel economy
How you drive, how you maintain your vehicle and what kind of vehicle you have all have to do with how much fuel you burn. If you’re looking to keep your fuel costs down, the Folsom Auto Mall has some tips that might help.
Read the rest of this entryWhat Your Tires Are Telling You…
Your tires can tell you a lot about your vehicle and your driving habits. Keeping an eye on your tires can keep you safe, ensure your vehicle’s best performance and, ultimately, save you money. Read on to find out more.
Read the rest of this entryAftermarket Accessories
Want to personalize your vehicle – make it more unique? How about adding entertainment options or upgrading its performance? Want to improve your steering response? Get from 0-60 a little faster? Or maybe you just want to upgrade your stereo or set up wireless charging for your cell phone.
Read the rest of this entryWhat 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.
Read the rest of this entryA 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.
Read the rest of this entryWhy 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.
Summer road trip maintenance checklist
The sun is up, the sky is blue, and the open road lies straight ahead of you. As you and the three kids head down the highway you notice a car with steam coming out of the hood. You see a man walking with a gas can and one car jumping another. I guess they didn’t read Folsom Auto Mall’s summer road trip maintenance checklist. It’s a comprehensive guide to ensure that your summer road trip is free from those annoying dashboard warning lights. So pay attention, take notes, or hit file print and follow this summer road trip maintenance checklist.
Replace wiper blades
Rubber wiper blades go bad over time. That’s just life. So if you see streaks or water that isn’t getting pushed away, replace the blades. You don’t want to be in the middle of a summer storm trying to clear the windshield with last decade’s wipers.
Top off the windshield wiper fluid
It’s the light that so many of us fail to turn off until it’s too late. Fill the windshield washer reservoir before your trip. It helps remove insects and other debris so you can see clearly. It’s like Visine for your car.
Test and tighten the battery
Over time a battery can come loose and lose some juice. Take the time to tighten the connectors and get your battery tested. This should keep you fully charged so you can charge ahead with your trip.
Restock the emergency kit
Flashlight. Batteries. First-aid kit. Drinking water. Non-perishable snacks. Jumper cables. Emergency flares. Basic tool kit. Duct tape. Extra cellphone battery. Always be prepared.
Charge the AC
Take your car down to any of The Folsom Auto Mall’s dealerships and have the A/C tested and charged. We’ll also check the cabin air filter. The first step towards a cool and comfortable trip is a cool and comfortable car.
Check belts and hoses
Rubber drive belts power a lot of important things like the engine water pump and accessories such as the alternator and air conditioning compressor. You have to make sure you replace any that are cracked, or going bad. In many vehicles, you have to replace drive belts every 60,000 miles. Inspect and replace worn, brittle, or excessively soft hoses. Check for leaks around hose clamps and at the radiator and water pump.
Top off engine oil and other fluids
Check that the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid and power steering fluid are all at the correct levels for safe operation. When you add fluids, it’s important to use products that meet the specifications recommended by the owner’s manual.
Check tires and tire pressure
In addition to checking the air pressure in each tire, take a good look and inspect them for damage. Finding a nail or a screw in your tire now is way better than finding one ”down the road.” Put a penny upside down into the grooves to check the tire tread. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head, it might be time to buy some new tires. And always make sure you inflate the tires to the suggested PSI found in the owner’s manual.
Check the brakes
Let’s not take chances here and just bring your vehicle in for a brake inspection. If you want to do a little pre-investigating on your own, listen for grinding sounds or vibrations when applying the brakes. If you hear any of that, come see us right away. We’ll check the brake system for fluid leaks; we’ll also check for wear or damage to the brake pads, brake rotors, brake shoes and brake drums.
Remember our service team is here to help with any maintenance issue you need fixed before you embark on your big summer road trip. So go ahead, see the Grand Canyon, go visit your Great Aunt Betty or the nation’s biggest ball of yarn. Just make sure you follow our summer road trip maintenance checklist, and you’ll have a great time.
Oh, if you’re thinking maybe this trip would deserve a new or used car, The Folsom Auto Mall has plenty of Buicks, GMCs, Dodges, Chryslers, Jeeps, Rams, Chevys, Toyotas, Hyundais, Kias, Nissans and Fords to choose from.