New Year’s Resolutions for Your Car
We’re heading into a New Year, and almost everyone is thinking of a way to improve their life, whether with fitness, organization, or even managing finances. But what about bettering your automobile?
Your vehicle is most likely one of your most valued and relied on possessions, so, why not take every measure to ensure you’re keeping it in tip-top shape throughout the year?
Here are a few ideas for New Year’s Resolutions, specifically for your automobile:
- Keep up with your routine maintenance. Your vehicle’s routine maintenance is one of the easiest things to overlook—whether it’s not having the time to have maintenance addressed, or the money. Although it’s easy to neglect, it’s also one of the most important aspects of your vehicle’s longevity and can help you save money and time, in the long run. Schedule an appointment with our Service Department to have your routine maintenance addressed.
- Keep your vehicle’s interior and exterior clean. Although it’s tough to maintain the cleanliness of your vehicle, especially in the colder months, you may feel better if you do. Having a clean vehicle may help reduce stress, especially if your vehicle tends to get cluttered easily.
- Keep up with your neglected maintenance. Have a rattling noise that’s been driving you crazy for a while, but haven’t had it looked at yet? Bring your car in for Service, and let our experts help you pin-point the problem, before it becomes a bigger problem.
- Schedule regular check-ups. Just like your physical health, it’s important to keep tabs on your vehicle’s health. Schedule regular appointments to have your car checked, to ensure everything is in working order.
4 Reasons to Buy a Dealership Demonstration Vehicle
A dealership demonstration vehicle, also known as a demo car, is a like-new vehicle that’s only been driven by dealership owners, their families, and employees. In most instances, the odometer only reaches between 2,000 and 6,000 miles, but since the vehicle hasn’t technically been sold, it still qualifies as a new vehicle. The good news is that savvy buyers can get a great deal on one of these vehicles, essentially purchasing a new car at an attractive discount. If you’re a serious bargain hunter, a demo car is definitely worth a look.
Indifference
If you love modern vehicular amenities but you also just see vehicles as a way to get from here to there, your general indifference will serve you well. Unlike new cars, you won’t have the option to choose different trims, colors, or anything else for that matter. But with these lack of choices comes savings, and if you look around, you should find a car that meets nearly all of your needs. That said, dealership owners are far more likely to drive a fully loaded model than a bare-bones, entry-level vehicle. Read the rest of this entry »
3 Signs Your Cabin Filter is Clogged
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t’s not just important to choose the best car for you and to have a dealership and mechanic you can trust. It’s also important to give your car the maintenance it requires. Doing so can help maintain the smooth operation of your favorite vehicle, while also prolonging its life on the road. One part of your car that should be regularly maintained is the cabin filter. If it’s clogged, your interior air quality can plummet. But how do you know if it’s clogged? Here are three signs that your cabin filter is clogged so that you’ll know too.
1. There’s Little Flow
The cabin filter is, essentially, a component of the air conditioner structure in your car. It’s also known as the air-conditioning filter and is often comprised of a paper or cotton-type material. In its ideal state, it helps to clear pollutants from the air before enter your interior cabin space. Also, filters can help keep the air conditioner in good shape. Read the rest of this entry »
3 Museums to Teach You About Waldorf’s History
Although Waldorf, Maryland, isn’t incorporated, the area has been inhabited by natives and settlers alike for hundreds of years. Because of this distinct influence of people and its location just 25 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., Waldorf has its fair share of history, even if it pales in comparison to the nation’s capital. Still, Waldorf has some interesting historical tidbits and fun facts if you know where to look. To educate yourself on the interesting past of the city, make sure to check out a few of these Waldorf-area museums.
Surratt House Museum
Located about 6 miles north of Waldorf, the Mary Surratt House is one of the most intriguing historical sites near Waldorf. Built in 1852, the home was the residence of John and Mary Surratt. They remained in the home until 1862, when John died and Mary moved to a nearby townhome.
A Confederate sympathizer during the Civil War, Mary Surratt eventually met John Wilkes Booth and aided him in the conspiracy to assassinate President Lincoln. She was later captured, tried, and hanged for her crimes. Today, you can learn about her life, the reasons for her involvement in the assassination and more in the building she called home. Featuring exhibits, some of her original possessions, and guided tours, the Surratt House Museum is a must-visit for Civil War history buffs and conspiracy theorists alike. Read the rest of this entry »
Stay Safe Behind the Wheel this Winter Season
It’s December, which means snow, sleet, and ice in our area can arrive at any time. We thought it might be useful to share some tips for driving in winter weather, especially if you’re traveling out of town for the Holidays!
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Be sure that you gradually ease into the gas or break when the roads are slick, to avoid spinouts.
- Drive slowly. Even if the roads aren’t terrible, black ice paired with speed can be a recipe for disaster. Be sure to slow down and take your time when the temperature is below freezing.
- Increase your spacing between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. Allow for plenty of stopping room, in the event that your car begins to slide.
- Test your brakes before you get out on the roadway. Come to a few harsh stops in your driveway, before you venture out, to test the road conditions and your brakes with the slippery roads.
- If you can avoid it, don’t come to a complete stop. If you can safely coast through an intersection without having to come to a stop, or to make a turn, you’re likely to keep traction longer than if you stop completely.
- Slow and steady wins the race. When faced with a hill, don’t hit the gas too fast and try to gain too much speed. Take your time, drive slowly and steadily until you reach the top of the hill.
- If you can avoid it, stay inside. Allow road crews to treat the roadways before you get behind the wheel.
Driving in winter weather can be frightening, especially if you don’t do it very often. Take these tips along for the ride, and stay safe, if you can’t stay off the roads.
Contact us today to set up an appointment with our Service Department, to ensure your car is ready for the quickly approaching winter weather!
Tips for a Seamless Thanksgiving Road Trip
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, along with the busiest travel holiday of the year!
If you’ve traveled on this holiday in the past, you know that planning is key to a seamless, relaxing trip, and we’ve got just the list to keep you organized this year!
- Stay Connected – Download the latest travel apps for your phone before you hit the road—Spotify is a great channel for music, Waze will help with traffic, and Citymapper will be your best-bet for navigation!
- Travel Late or Early – Instead of sitting in a huge mess of traffic this year, leave in the middle of the night, or early in the morning to avoid traffic jams—you’ll get to where you’re going much faster, and your passengers will thank you… especially if you have kids!
- Pack Wisely – Make sure to bring temperature-appropriate clothing, shoes, and coats, especially if you’re heading north or to the mountains!
- Have Your Car Serviced – Make sure that all of your fluid levels are topped off, your brakes, lights work properly, and that your car is up to date on all routine maintenance including oil changes and tires. Contact our Service Department to set up an appointment to have your car prepared for your road trip!
- Have Travel Documents on Hand – Be sure to carry your Insurance Card, Roadside Assistance information, and any other vital information, in case of emergency.
- Make All Stops at Once – If you have children, it might be challenging trying to travel with the constant stopping for bathroom breaks, food, and drinks, but, if you stop in a place where you can use the restroom, grab a sandwich and a bottle of water, all in one place, you’re guaranteed to save time instead of loading and unloading everyone into and out of the car at each place.
Visit us online to schedule your appointment with our Service Department, to ensure your vehicle is up-to-par for your Thanksgiving travel. Buckle up, and enjoy the ride!
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How to Make Money With Your Car
In a world where generating income is so important, you may be wondering if there are ways to earn some money with your car. You’ve probably heard of independent taxi services, but there are many other ways you can earn as a driver. You can also earn with your car while you rest at home! Here are four ways that drivers can earn money with their vehicles.
Become an Independent Cabby
There are many ways you can help other people get around town while earning some money. Two of the most popular and lucrative independent cab services are Uber and Lyft. Independent cabby services allow you to set your own schedule and pick up rides when and where you want. Read the rest of this entry »
How to Celebrate Halloween Around Waldorf, MD
Waldorf, Maryland, is a fantastic city to be in this October. If you’re a fan of the Halloween season, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to celebrate in town and throughout the surrounding area. Here are four activities and events to help commemorate the holiday in Waldorf.
Attend a Halloween Festival
There are many Halloween festivals in Maryland that you can attend. For example, adults and teenagers can go to the Nightmare Halloween Music and Art Festival in Darlington. This event runs from October 27 through the 28th and includes live music, an art gallery, costume contests, and many other terrifying attractions.
For something more family friendly, consider ZooBOOO! in Baltimore. Kids will love to visit The Maryland Zoo, which will be hosting trick-or-treating, costume contests, carnival games, and other fun seasonal activities. Read the rest of this entry »
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