Maybe you’re tired of making monthly payments. Maybe you’re excited about buying a new car. Maybe your financial situation has changed or you’re driving 2-seat sports car and your wife just gave birth to twins. No matter what the reason is, we are here to help you walk through the options for early lease termination.
Read the rest of this entrySummer 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.
Wonder where KBB Values come from?
Ever wonder how Kelley Blue Book gets used car values and why we even trust those values to be the standard of the industry? The Folsom Auto Mall has those answers for you.
Read the rest of this entryAftermarket accessories that could increase your vehicle’s value…
Adding aftermarket accessories can be a fun thing to do. Who doesn’t want to spice things up and customize their vehicle? But adding extra flare and performance with aftermarket accessories can do a lot more than just turn heads. Certain aftermarket upgrades can actually help increase the value of your vehicle. So, whether you have a new car you’re looking to add your personal touch to or a used car you’re hoping to make a little more appealing at trade-in time – here are some aftermarket accessories that could increase your car’s value.
1. Tires
Upgrading your tires can boost your vehicle’s market value. The quality of the tire is directly linked to the comfort and performance of the vehicle. It’s kind of like comparing a luxury mattress to a standard mattress; you will definitely be able to feel the difference. And if you are upgrading your tires for the purposes of trading in or selling your car, the right buyer and every dealership will recognize top-of-the-line tires and pay for them. Not only that, but any new tires (even if they’re not top of the line) will make a great impression! Dealerships and individual buyers definitely appreciate the value of fresh tread.
2. Rims
Updating the rims of your vehicle can make a big improvement on the aesthetic value and curb appeal (pun intended). Quality rims will enhance the look of your vehicle and can make your wheels look brand new. They can freshen up and give a whole new look to a tired old vehicle. Aside from just the aesthetic value, new rims also help to protect the wheels from external damage.
3. Body Kits
A body kit can make your car look newer and set your car apart from every other car out there on the road. Some body kits can also improve the performance of your vehicle, changing the way air flows around the car. The aerodynamics of your vehicle can make your vehicle go faster, reducing drag and helping the car achieve higher speed. Carbon fiber body kits are made from lighter materials, increasing the downforce on your car which can improve the vehicle’s handling and make it more stable in corners. Body kits like these could increase your vehicle’s grip on the road, resulting in safer driving. There are many body kits available depending on your model of car, exactly what you want it to look like and how you want it to perform. Be sure to have it installed correctly, by trained professionals, otherwise you could actually reduce your vehicle’s value.
4. Infotainment and GPS
Bluetooth, USB ports, USB-C ports, large touch screens and GPS navigation are features that modern car owners have come to expect as a standard in their vehicles. Aftermarket infotainment accessories can upgrade older vehicles essentially making a 2010 feel more like a 2020. These types of investments typically improve a vehicle’s resale value and make your vehicle easier to sell.
5. Leather seats
Most people think that your car either comes with leather seats or it doesn’t. Well, that’s just not true. Any car can go from fabric to leather. Making your car seem more luxurious can be an incentive to a potential buyer; one strategy is to install leather seats. If they’re clean and well cared for, your vehicle could potentially be worth more.
So whether you’re making your car look as cool as possible by adding a little something extra, looking to add value to your current car or both – the Folsom Auto Mall has you covered. Whether you drive a Buick, GMC, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, Chevy, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan or Ford – we’ve got the accessories you need in stock. And if there is something specific that we don’t have, we’ll get it for you. Our factory trained and experienced technicians can service any make or model. Let us help you outfit your vehicle or give you a free appraisal so you know how much it’s worth!
How to Get the Most Value When You Sell Your Vehicle…
When it comes time to sell or trade in your vehicle, there are only positives. You get cash or a new car and someone else gets to make new memories in yours. When you trade in your car it can act as the down payment for your new ride. Whether you’re trading or simply selling, you want to get the most value for your previously used car, truck, van or SUV! Here are some tips to make sure you get the most for your vehicle:
1. Find out what your car is worth
The first step in negotiating the sale of your vehicle is to have a good idea of what your car’s value really is. There are a few sites available to help you get a realistic idea of what your vehicle is worth, but the two most often used are Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com) and Edmunds.com. Comparing values on multiple sites will give you a great starting point.
2. Fix any issues
All cars have little dings and mechanical issues that could use a little TLC; you’re going to see more value for your vehicle if you address them before selling it. It’s also a good idea to check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database to see if there are any recalls affecting your car. Recalled parts can be fixed free of charge, and the extra effort may up your vehicle’s value. Even repairing small cosmetic dings can make your vehicle worth more.
Kind of an old-school trick, but a good one, is to keep receipts for repairs, oil changes and maintenance. These can prove to the dealer or buyer that you took really good care of your vehicle.
3. Shine it up good (inside and out)
Get your car detailed. The nicer it looks, the more money it will appraise for. Think of detailing your car like staging a home before you sell it. Curb appeal applies to cars too. And don’t forget to remove all your personal items from the interior and the trunk. You want the potential buyer to take one look at your vehicle and see that it’s ready to go – no additional investment needed.
4. Find the spare key (and any other accessories)
We know it may sound small, but every penny counts and many buyers are willing to pay a little extra if you have the extra set of keys and all the owner’s manuals. So you might have to search around in that junk drawer, but finding that extra set of keys could pay off. Do you have Weather Tech floor mats?Headrests? A cargo net? First aid kit? Any other accessories you have will help raise the value of your vehicle. Every little bit counts.
5. Make an appointment
It sounds silly, but if you’re interested in getting an estimate at a dealership, making an appointment to have your vehicle appraised could net you some extra cash. By giving the dealership plenty of time to value your trade you are giving them time to find you more cash.
So if you’re ready to sell your previously loved vehicle, consider a free vehicle appraisal at the Folsom Auto Mall. Get your car appraised for free and browse our new or pre-owned vehicles including: Ford, Toyota, Kia, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Buick, GMC, Hyundai, Chevrolet and Nissan.
All-Wheel Drive. Four-Wheel Drive. Know the Difference.
The best way to understand the difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive is to think of it this way. A Diet Coke is to a double espresso as all-wheel drive is to four-wheel drive. Both are means to an end, but while a Diet Coke and all-wheel drive are acceptable for everyday use, a double espresso and four-wheel drive should be reserved for special occasions, when you need something stronger.
How All-Wheel Drive Works
In an all-wheel drive vehicle, the engine’s power is sent to all four tires all of the time. This helps keep your vehicle going forward better than front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive in the snow, sleet, or rain-covered roads. In high-performance vehicles, all-wheel drive helps transfer the engine’s torque to the ground while at high speeds or when launching from rest with the engine’s full power. A lot of all-wheel-drive cars out today shuffle torque between the front and rear tires as needed and automatically switch to two-wheel drive when appropriate to improve fuel efficiency.
All-wheel drive is best used on pavement because it’s designed to let each tire rotate at its own speed in turns. So all-wheel drive is ideal for the average driver who is looking to stay safe and sound when driving in hazardous conditions. That’s why you’ll find that most SUVs and passenger cars are available in all-wheel drive.
DID YOU KNOW?
All-Wheel Drive Vehicles Should Be Towed On A Flatbed!
While a two-wheel drive vehicle can easily be towed by lifting either the front or rear wheels off the ground, all-wheel drive vehicles need all their wheels lifted in order to be towed. This is because all the wheels are connected to the drivetrain, so pulling the vehicle by just two wheels can damage the vehicle.
It is technically possible to tow an all-wheel drive vehicle on its wheels, but you would need to disengage the driveshaft – which is complex, expensive, and can really only be performed by a trained mechanic. So, the best and correct way to tow an all-wheel drive vehicle is using a flatbed.
How Four-Wheel Drive Works
Intended only for use off-road or on very slippery surfaces, four-wheel drive is a part-time system. This means that the driver has to shift into and out of four-wheel drive. This is usually done by turning a knob, pushing a button, or yanking a lever. When this happens the front and rear driveshafts come together, keeping the front and rear axles turning at the same speed. In sand, mud, and snow, this guarantees that the engine torque is always being sent to at least one front and one rear wheel, without relying on computers to predict or detect wheel slip. So that means there’s more power being put to the ground in very slippery conditions to keep you going. But a major drawback is that four-wheel drive is not designed to be used on paved roads and is reserved for vehicles with serious off-road capability.
So, now you know the difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, and you can make the best choice for your needs. If you’re big into taking it off-road, choose four-wheel drive. If you like to keep all your wheels on the road, choose all-wheel drive. No matter what you choose The Folsom Auto Mall has plenty of all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles to choose from. Stop by the Folsom Auto Mall today to take a test drive.