Front Wheel Drive VS. AWD What is the Difference

To Wax Or Not To Wax?

It's no secret that keeping your car looking good can help to maintain its value. But what many people don't know is that there are a lot of things you can do to keep your car looking great - and some of them are easy and inexpensive! One example is car waxing.

1. The benefits of car waxing

Waxing your car is one of the best ways to protect its finish and keep it looking new. It creates a barrier between your car’s paint and the elements, which can cause fading, scratching, and other damage. Waxing also makes it easier to clean your car, since the wax forms a protective layer that dirt and dust can

2. The costs of car waxing

The costs of car waxing vary depending on the type of wax and the amount you need. However, it is generally a very affordable way to protect your car’s finish.

3. How to wax your car properly

If you're looking to get the most out of your car wax, follow these steps:

  • Make sure your car is clean. The wax will adhere better to a clean surface, and it will be easier to remove any residual wax when you're finished.

  • Apply the wax in a thin layer. Too much wax can actually end up doing more harm than good, since it can obscure your car's paint job and make it difficult to polish later on.

  • Work in small sections. It's best to apply the wax using a circular motion, and don't forget the edges!

  • Buff off the wax with a soft cloth. Be sure to remove

4. What are the types of waxes available?

There are a few different types of car waxes on the market, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks:

  • Spray-On Waxes: These waxes are easy to apply and usually don’t require any buffing. However, they don’t offer as much protection as other types of waxes and can be prone to fading.

  • Paste Waxes: More durable than spray-on waxes, and they usually provide better protection against scratches and fading. However, they can be difficult to apply and require a lot of elbow grease.

  • Liquid Waxes: Liquid waxes are the most popular type of car wax. They’re easy to apply, and most come with a buffing cloth.

  • Carnauba Wax: Carnauba wax is the most durable type of car wax and offers the best protection against scratches and fading. It’s also the most expensive type of wax.

  • Ceramic Wax: A newer type of car wax that’s said to offer even better protection than Carnauba wax. However, it’s also more expensive.

4. How to care for your car's finish without using any products at all

  • If you're not interested in using car wax, there are a few other things you can do to protect your car's finish and keep it looking new:

  • Park in the shade. The sun can cause your car's paint to fade over time.

  • Wash your car regularly. Dirt and dust can scratch your car's paintjob

If you're still unsure about whether or not car waxing is worth the investment, it might be helpful to consult a professional. They can help determine if waxing your car will be an effective way to keep its value and maintain its shine over time.

 

 

Is An SUV Right For You

SUVs are one of the most versatile vehicles on the market. They offer great family legroom and more storage for gear than a regular car making them ideal for family vacations.

What Are The Different Types Of SUVs

If you're in the market for an SUV, first, consider what size will best suit your needs. There are small SUVs (also called crossovers), midsize SUVs, and large SUVs.

 

  • Smaller SUVs offer better fuel economy and easier maneuverability, while large SUVs can accommodate more people and gear.

  • Crossovers are based on a car chassis, so they have unibody construction and usually offer better fuel economy than truck-based SUVs. They also tend to be smaller and more maneuverable than truck-based SUVs.

  • Midsize SUVs offer a happy medium between crossovers and large SUVs. They're big enough to comfortably seat up to eight people, but not so large that they're difficult to park or maneuver.

  • Large SUVs are the largest and most expensive SUVs on the market. They offer the most passenger and cargo space, but can be difficult to park and maneuver. They also tend to have poorer fuel

Next, decide what kind of features you're looking for in a SUV. Do you need four-wheel drive for off-roading or bad weather? Would you like a third row of seating to fit more passengers? Do you need a lot of cargo space for hauling gear?

Ready to start shopping for an SUV? Check out our inventory of new and used SUVs. We've got a wide selection of makes and models to choose from. If you're unsure of what SUV is right for you, our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help. Stop by today and take a test drive!

Did It Slip Your Mind

The Importance of Maintaining Your Car

Regular oil and filter changes are a crucial part of protecting your vehicle from many issues down the road. Not only do these services protect the components within your engine, but they can also be cost-effective in avoiding expensive repair bills due to negligence.

Benefits of Regular Oil & Filter Changes

Oil plays a crucial role in keeping all components of the engine in working order, yet sometimes dirt and debris can get mixed in, creating sludge that can build up and clog the system over time. This can lead to decreased performance, misfires, and even more serious issues down the road if left unchecked.

By regularly replacing oil and filters you help keep your engine from becoming bogged down by dirt or other particles, minimizing chances of major malfunctions later on in its life span. Properly maintaining oil levels helps ensure tensions between components remain at bay since they all have a constant source of lubrication needed to function properly without worrying about excessive friction leading to seizures or other potentially catastrophic events.

What You Should Do

The optimal mileage for an oil change is typically between 3,000 and 5,000 miles however this may vary depending on the type of car and oil being used as well as environmental conditions like climate or terrain being driven on regularly with the vehicle. Checking manufacturer recommendations found in your owner’s manual is important for further clarity regarding when it is best to change out a car’s engine oils and air filters.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the car maintenance you have to do? Are you worried about the cost of taking care of your car? Don't worry! You’re at the right place. We can find the right car with the right price Contact us now for any questions you may have

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!


How to Get a Car Loan with Bad Credit

In most financial situations, the better your credit score and history, the better your options. Having no or bad credit can make it difficult to get a car, but it's not impossible. The biggest challenge is getting a loan that fits your budget. Get expert advice on how to do just that, as well as tips on how to improve your credit score along the way.

Who is This Guide for?

When you hear "bad credit," you might automatically think of maxed out credit cards or late payments. While these things do lead to bad credit, there are other situations that can cause someone to have a low credit score. If you relate to any of the following profiles, this guide can show you how to get the best possible car loan.

The young adult with no credit history
If you're a young adult, you may have never had a credit card or have only had one for a few years now. This is known as "credit invisibility". While this means you have no debt, which is great, it also means lenders have no easy way of assessing whether you can be trusted to pay back a loan. As a result, you may only be approved for a high interest rate when trying to get an auto loan or you may be required to get a co-signer.

The avid shopper with lots of debt
If you use your credit cards often, don't pay them off monthly and are sitting on a large amount of debt, that's another concern for lenders. Even using more than 20 to 30 percent of your credit can affect your score, and maxing out your cards can cause your score to plummet. Having lots of debt suggests you don't have a lot of income and need to rely on borrowed money - two things that can lead to missed payments.

The person who misses payments or has defaulted on a loan
If you've consistently missed payments or have defaulted on a loan, your credit score will drop. Lenders see these as indications you're not reliable when it comes to paying back borrowed money.

The co-signer who paid the price
Being an authorized user on someone's credit card or serving as a co-signer can be a huge risk. If the other person isn't responsible with his or her credit, it'll lower not only their credit score, but yours, too.

Why Credit Matters When Getting a Car Loan

Your credit score is one of the most important factors in determining the rate on your loan because it shows lenders - whether it's a dealership, bank, or credit union - how trustworthy you are with borrowed money. Your score will determine how much money you can borrow and at what interest rate. "Think about it this way: credit is short for 'credibility,'" said Charles Cannon, manager at a BMW dealership in Houston, TX. "It gives a lender a snapshot of your ability to pay people back in a timely manner and [whether] you are purchasing more car than you can afford."

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Your credit score is determined by your credit history. There are a few different types of credit scores, but by far, the most widely used is called FICO (short for Fair Isaac Corporation, the firm that invented this scoring system). According to Secrets From An Ex-Banker by Nick Clements, this is because Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae mortgages, which represent more than 90 percent of all purchased mortgages, use the FICO score. Your FICO score is affected by the following factors:

PAYMENT HISTORY (35 PERCENT)

Do you have a history of making payments on-time, or are you usually late? Are there any delinquencies on your record, and if so, how long have they been overdue? Payment history makes up the largest chunk of your credit score. Lenders want to know you have a good record of paying back borrowed money, whether it's a loan or credit. If you've struggled to pay off debt and/or loans, it'll be reflected by a drop in your score. But the good news is you can turn things around fairly quickly — start making payments on time and your credit score will get a boost.

AMOUNT OF MONEY YOU CURRENTLY OWE (30 PERCENT)

Having a mortgage, other loans and lots of credit card debt means you probably already owe a lot of money, which can make lenders nervous. Depending how much of a monthly bite this takes out of your income, lenders may think you won't have enough money to make your car loan payment. This part of your score also reflects for how close you are to reaching your overall credit limit - the closer you are to maxing out, the lower your score.

LENGTH OF YOUR CREDIT HISTORY (15 PERCENT)

How lenders determine the age of your credit varies. Some may take the average age of your open accounts while others may look only at the age of your oldest account. Either way, all lenders are looking for proof you have experience handling borrowed money and a history of timely payments. The longer the credit history, the better the gauge for lenders. If you're getting ready to apply for an auto loan, don't open any new credit or store cards, take out a loan or close older accounts: All of these can pull down your credit score.

CREDIT MIX (10 PERCENT)

There are two types of credit on your report - installments like auto loans, mortgages or student loans that are capped at a set amount each month; and "revolving" credit such as credit cards. In the latter, the amount you owe each month depends on the amount you charge and how quickly you pay it off. Although there is no perfect mix, lenders like to see experience with both types of credit.

NEW CREDIT (10 PERCENT)

This part of your score is based on how often you've applied for loans or credit, which may be seen as a sign that you're down on your luck. Opening several new lines of credit in a short amount of time could put a dent in your score.

Source: FICO

Other Factors Lenders Look At

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    Income

    How much you take home each month can either help or hurt you. If you have a six-figure income and manage your money well, you'll probably have an easier time making payments than someone living on minimum wage. If you have bad credit, a fairly low debt to credit ratio combined with a high income may help you get a slightly better loan because at least lenders know you have a steady flow of money coming in each month. Conversely, if you have good credit but low income and a high debt to credit ratio, you may get charged higher than normal interest. Lenders may also look at your savings accounts to see whether you have money set aside for an emergency.

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    Debt

    If you have a lot of payments to make each month and a high debt to income ratio - that is, you don't have a lot left over after you make the payments - it can make lenders nervous. They want to know paying back their loan is a high priority and that you won't get bogged down with other financial obligations.

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    Age of your vehicle

    Getting a new or used car can greatly affect your loan rate. Newer cars will generally have lower interest rates, whereas older, used cars tend to come with higher rates. If a newer car is repossessed, it can still be sold for quite a bit of money, making it less of a risk.

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    Size of your down payment

    If you can make a large down payment, you won't have as much to pay off in the following months, which is ideal for a lender. If you have a low credit score, pay as much of the car upfront as you can. "Ideally, 20 percent down of what you want to purchase gives you the best chance," says Cannon.

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WAYS TO BOOST YOUR CREDIT SCORE

  • Check your credit report for errors and dispute any you find. You're entitled by law to one free annual credit report check. Keep in mind, however, that disputes may take up to 30 days to resolve so it may be a few weeks before you actually see your score go up.

  • Pay your bills on time. If you're behind on bills, get caught up quickly and avoid late payments in the future by setting up automatic payment reminders or autopay.

  • Reduce the amount of debt you owe by paying more than just the minimum payment each month, if possible.

  • Don't open any new credit cards. Additional lines of credit could hurt your score and may lead lenders to believe you're short on cash.

  • Keep your car loan search within a two-week period. Multiple credit checks outside of a 14-day window can lower your score.

  • Keep balances as low as possible on any credit cards you're currently using by relying more on cash or debit as often as possible. Studies show using cash instead of cards can help you stick to a budget and spend less.

  • If you feel like you're drowning and can't make ends meet, see a credit counselor to help you come up with a plan.

Source: FICO

Steps to Getting an Auto Loan with Bad Credit

Remember, getting a car loan with bad credit isn't impossible, but the outcome won't be as favorable as if you had good credit. The typical steps for getting an auto loan are the same for all prospective car buyers - apply for a loan, get approved, choose your vehicle - but there are some additional steps you may need to take if you have bad credit. Here's how to get the best possible car loan with a less-than-ideal credit score:

1

Start improving your score by paying down debt

Danny Rosario, an auto specialist at the SCE Federal Credit Union in El Monte, CA, explains, "The debt-to-income ratio is a variable that determines how much outstanding debt you have compared to how much income you earn every single month or year, so it's important to keep these balances down." Before applying for a car loan, try to pay down your credit cards, so you don't have a high amount of debt-to-income ratio.

2

Compare multiple lenders

Shop around with different lenders to ensure you receive the best rate possible. Start with your personal bank or credit union. Since you already have a relationship with them, they may be more understanding about your credit history and think of you as less of a risk than other financial institutions where you have no existing relationship.

3

If possible, choose the loan with the shortest term

Because of your credit, your interest rate will most likely be high. Having a shorter loan means you'll have to pay more each month; however, this will also help limit the amount of interest you pay overall and will get you out of debt faster.

4

Consider a co-signer

This may be a requirement from the lender, depending on how bad your credit is. However, even if it isn't required, it's something you may want to consider. Co-signers are like safety nets in the eyes of lenders - they're people with good credit scores who are willing to sign a contract stating if you fail to make your car payments, they're liable. Your co-signer needs to be willing to take that risk, so make sure it's someone with whom you have a mutually trusting relationship. Young adults with no or little credit history often have parents co-sign if their parents have good credit scores.

5

Be open to different types of vehicles

Once you've been approved, it's time to start looking for a car, but keep an open mind. "When you have bad credit, you're likely to be limited," says Cannon. If you're getting a loan from a bank or credit union, they dictate the terms, which are likely to be strict if you have bad credit. A dealership also may not have many cars that fit within your loan terms. To avoid potential disappointment, get approved for a loan before you start test-driving so you have an idea of the types of cars actually available to you.

Where to Get a Car Loan When You Have Bad Credit

The three common lenders - banks, dealerships and credit unions - still grant loans to people with low credit, depending on their circumstances.

Making It Work with a High Interest Rate

Sometimes there's no way to get around a high interest rate when you have bad credit but you also really do need a car. When this is the case, there are a few things you can do to avoid defaulting and making your credit score worse.

Refinance your loan

When your credit score rebounds, try refinancing your loan to get a lower interest rate. Wait a significant amount of time, perhaps a year, while you boost your score, then shop around for refinancing options and crunch the numbers to see if you can lower your monthly payments.

Pay it off as soon as possible

When struggling with a high-interest car loan, it's better to pay it off ASAP to avoid paying more for the car than it's worth. If you have other payments you're working through, like credit card debt with lower interest rates, pay the minimum possible on those accounts so you can throw extra cash at your car loan.

Use your tax refund wisely

If you get a tax refund in the spring, apply that to your car payment. It's often a significant amount of money people forget they'll be receiving.

About the Author

Claire Swinarski

01/03/2022
"How to Get a Car Loan with Bad Credit"

www.moneygeek.com/auto-loans/bad-credit/ 

5 Signs Your Car Needs Servicing!

5 Signs Your Car Needs Servicing!

Cars and automobiles have evolved drastically. Just like our bodies, cars need a substantial amount of care and maintenance . Continuous working and no proper maintenance can damage them, leading to hefty expenses on repairs.

Following a schedule for car servicing and keeping an eye on the car’s performance can help avert unnecessary costs. Here are five things to be attentive to if you drive a car, which indicate that your car needs servicing.

Flashing Warning Lights

Futuristic and modern cars are good at indicating what’s wrong with them. They do this by illuminating the light on the dashboard, which means “Check Engine.”

Many cars have a service light that will come on when the next service is due. If you see a yellow light flashing upon the meter, then you should take the car for service, as there are a range of locomotion problems this light could indicate.

Degraded Ride Comfortability

Simply put, if you’re not getting the level of comfort you paid for, then it’s time to put some work into your vehicle.

Getting hitches and irregular steering while driving is a common indicator that the car is operating slow. You might notice the tires scraping as well. These symptoms can signal an issue with your Suspension.

This is a sign that your car needs service, and to keep it in top-notch condition, you should follow the service manual and get it checked regularly.

Unusual Vibration and Noises

When you drive a car, the most annoying thing you can experience is unwanted vibrations and shudders; and they should be checked before they develop into a serious error. Different noises mean different issues.

  1. The hoods whining sounds are caused by a loose wire belt and can cause various issues from overheating to battery problems.

  2. Unusual noises from the exhaust because of a hole or crack in it. It is easy to fix but can result in your exhaust pipe getting destroyed if not tended early.

  3. The metal clashing sound could be a broken part of your car, scrubbing on something, causing damage to both the parts.

  4. Uneven engine noises could occur if your car is not able to handle the air/ fuel mixture and can be fixed easily by replacing spark plugs.

Exhaust Smoke And Leaks

If fumes come from the car, you are not in any excessive danger. It can be because of overheating or radiator issues. It is suggested to take a look at your car’s temperature, and if it’s maxed, then let the car cool down until it reaches the middle of the gauge. Excessive smokes from the hood can be a result of oil leaks. If you see blue smoke coming from your car, then it is safe to get someone to tow your car to the garage because it can be a costly problem caused by burning oil.

Smokes and leaks can be of many types depending upon a range of issues, such as worn engine oil seals, head gasket failure, worn valve seals, etc.

Some leaks can indicate significant problems, whereas some can turn out to be mere ignition irregularities.

Sensitive Brakes and Gears

The brakes system and gearbox are the most used utilities of a vehicle and experience wear and tear regularly, making them a lot more prone to dysfunctioning. Gear and brake problems are easily noticeable and easy to fix on an early basis.

Some common issues can be transmitted vibrations while changing gears or squealing when you apply the brakes.

This could be because of worn-out discs or pads, a suspension problem, or an issue with your steering. These symptoms generally arise due to tire wear, so make sure your tires have the required 1.6mm tire tread.

What Is the Best Way to Avoid Problems?

Car owners are always up with questions regarding car problems. The best way to avoid any damage is to make sure to follow specific steps such as:

  1. Regular service and maintenance according to schedule.

  2. Checking the service plan provided to you.

  3. Never wait for things to go wrong, and always try to keep things healthy.

It is essential to take notice of these issues, as they might result in a big problem; then, even your warranty or insurance will not cover it.

Article Originally published on Cars 24.com by Divyanshi Bhardwaj