The Real Reason You Should Wash Your Car in the Winter
Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we know that when your buy a new car or one of our quality pre-owned vehicles, you’re making an investment. That’s why it’s so important to care for your car all year round.
With 60+ years in the auto industry, we’ve picked up some valuable car maintenance tips. A big one is caring for your car in winter.
When it’s cold outside, we’re betting your first thought isn’t to wash your car! You might even be tempted to put it off until Spring.
However, road salt, sand, and dirty snow can make your car nearly unrecognizable, but that’s not the only reason to wash your car in the winter.
The biggest reason is economical. Keeping your car clean year round is an investment. It preserves its resale and trade-in value.
The elements plus road treatments can cause your vehicle ...
With 60+ years in the auto industry, we’ve picked up some valuable car maintenance tips. A big one is caring for your car in winter.
When it’s cold outside, we’re betting your first thought isn’t to wash your car! You might even be tempted to put it off until Spring.
However, road salt, sand, and dirty snow can make your car nearly unrecognizable, but that’s not the only reason to wash your car in the winter.
The biggest reason is economical. Keeping your car clean year round is an investment. It preserves its resale and trade-in value.
The elements plus road treatments can cause your vehicle ...
5 Winter Maintenance Tips for Your Pickup Truck: A Review List
We’re right in the middle of cold weather, so now is a good time to review your winter maintenance tips for your pickup truck. To see how your truck is stacking up against Old Man Winter, we’ve put together a quick review sheet.
Antifreeze
Most trucks run on a ratio of 50/50 antifreeze to water. However, if your area’s temperatures regularly drop below zero, this may not be enough.
You can also remove some radiator fluid and replace it with straight antifreeze. Just remember to switch the antifreeze back to the 50/50 ratio for warm weather. Double check with your mechanic for the ratio he recommends.
And remember, it’s always a good idea to keep a periodic check on antifreeze levels during the winter.
Tires
Have you adjusted tire pressure so that it’s at the high end of the manufacturer’s recom...
Antifreeze
Most trucks run on a ratio of 50/50 antifreeze to water. However, if your area’s temperatures regularly drop below zero, this may not be enough.
You can also remove some radiator fluid and replace it with straight antifreeze. Just remember to switch the antifreeze back to the 50/50 ratio for warm weather. Double check with your mechanic for the ratio he recommends.
And remember, it’s always a good idea to keep a periodic check on antifreeze levels during the winter.
Tires
Have you adjusted tire pressure so that it’s at the high end of the manufacturer’s recom...
The 2021 Chevy Tahoe Sport Utility Vehicle
What better way to kick off the New Year than with the 2021 Chevy Tahoe sport utility vehicle? Although it’s hard to believe, Chevy has improved on one the most versatile and advanced SUV’s on the road.
The Tahoe has a bigger, more spacious cabin, smoother ride and handling, and, as always, a commanding presence.
The all-new Tahoe has six trims to choose from, each one carefully refined to help find the right blend of design and comfort for your needs. But there is one feature that’s non-negotiable.
Standard Safety Features for A Luxury SUV
While each trim has its own brand of luxury, there are some features that are a must for every level of trim!
That’s because Chevrolet is all about safety. Every Tahoe offers these five standard safety features:
Forward Collision Alert—Alerts you if it detec...
The Tahoe has a bigger, more spacious cabin, smoother ride and handling, and, as always, a commanding presence.
The all-new Tahoe has six trims to choose from, each one carefully refined to help find the right blend of design and comfort for your needs. But there is one feature that’s non-negotiable.
Standard Safety Features for A Luxury SUV
While each trim has its own brand of luxury, there are some features that are a must for every level of trim!
That’s because Chevrolet is all about safety. Every Tahoe offers these five standard safety features:
Forward Collision Alert—Alerts you if it detec...
Portable and Mounted Truck Toolboxes: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Truck owners use their vehicles for a variety of reasons such as business, farming, hunting, fishing, and camping, to name a few. But no matter how you use your truck, you can’t keep tools and accessories organized and safe without a good quality toolbox.
When you’re buying a truck toolbox, there are many considerations: plastic, aluminum or steel, side mounted, high or low-side, rust and weather resistant. The list is practically endless.
But when it comes to design, you basically have two choices, portable or mounted. Both of these designs have their pros and cons. Let’s take a look at each of them.
Mounted Truck Bed Toolboxes
This type of truck toolbox sometimes requires installation from a certified dealership because it requires minor drilling. Once installed, consider it a keeper because...
When you’re buying a truck toolbox, there are many considerations: plastic, aluminum or steel, side mounted, high or low-side, rust and weather resistant. The list is practically endless.
But when it comes to design, you basically have two choices, portable or mounted. Both of these designs have their pros and cons. Let’s take a look at each of them.
Mounted Truck Bed Toolboxes
This type of truck toolbox sometimes requires installation from a certified dealership because it requires minor drilling. Once installed, consider it a keeper because...
Synthetic vs Conventional Motor Oil: Is It Worth It to Use Synthetic Oil?
Motor oil is crucial for your vehicle’s smooth running and long lasting performance. But the world of motor oils has become a bit more complex. Today, we have three main types of motor oil to choose from: conventional, synthetic, and synthetic blend.
Should you use synthetic oil instead of conventional? If you’re still trying to understand the vast difference between the two, this article will answer your questions.
The Difference Between Conventional and Synthetic Oil
Conventional oil is essentially refined crude oil pumped from the ground. It’s found in nature in areas like underground reservoirs and tar sands.
Synthetic oil is completely man made. That means it has fewer imperfections in its chemical buildup than does conventional oil. Companies that produce synthetic oil have spent a lot o...
Should you use synthetic oil instead of conventional? If you’re still trying to understand the vast difference between the two, this article will answer your questions.
The Difference Between Conventional and Synthetic Oil
Conventional oil is essentially refined crude oil pumped from the ground. It’s found in nature in areas like underground reservoirs and tar sands.
Synthetic oil is completely man made. That means it has fewer imperfections in its chemical buildup than does conventional oil. Companies that produce synthetic oil have spent a lot o...
The Chevy Silverado 2021: America’s Most Fuel Efficient Pickup Truck
The road isn’t always smooth which is why so many truck owners turn to the Chevy Silverado. It has the off-road capability you need off the beaten path, which is why it’s in demand now more than ever.
So how can it make your life easier? Here’s how America’s favorite truck stacks up.
Strongest Silverado to Date
There’s over 100 years of truck building know-how that has gone into creating the 2021 Silverado. The result?
This year’s Silverado is not only bigger and stronger, but it’s lighter than the previous generation.
Fuel Efficiency and Engine Choices
No one needs to tell you that gas is expensive. That’s why fuel efficiency—without compromised truck power—is incredibly important. With the 2021 Silverado, you get a choice of six engine options including the best in class 6.2L V8 for power and ...
So how can it make your life easier? Here’s how America’s favorite truck stacks up.
Strongest Silverado to Date
There’s over 100 years of truck building know-how that has gone into creating the 2021 Silverado. The result?
This year’s Silverado is not only bigger and stronger, but it’s lighter than the previous generation.
Fuel Efficiency and Engine Choices
No one needs to tell you that gas is expensive. That’s why fuel efficiency—without compromised truck power—is incredibly important. With the 2021 Silverado, you get a choice of six engine options including the best in class 6.2L V8 for power and ...
New Car Buying Advantages: 5 Reasons to Buy New
Here at our Harrisonburg car dealership, Joe Bowman Auto Plaza sells both new and used cars. Each has its advantages depending on your lifestyle and budget.
For this post, we’ll focus on new car buying advantages.
You Choose What You Want
When you’rbuying a new car or truck, you decide what you want on the vehicle. You decide the color and how you want the vehicle equipped.
Whether it’s cloth or leather upholstery, the audio and communication systems, you decide.
If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for at our Harrisonburg car lot, you can special order your vehicle. This will take longer, and you may not be eligible for other perks. Talk to your sales consultant to be sure.
That said, our dealership has a wide variety of vehicles with the perks that so many people want. The vast majori...
For this post, we’ll focus on new car buying advantages.
You Choose What You Want
When you’rbuying a new car or truck, you decide what you want on the vehicle. You decide the color and how you want the vehicle equipped.
Whether it’s cloth or leather upholstery, the audio and communication systems, you decide.
If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for at our Harrisonburg car lot, you can special order your vehicle. This will take longer, and you may not be eligible for other perks. Talk to your sales consultant to be sure.
That said, our dealership has a wide variety of vehicles with the perks that so many people want. The vast majori...
Low Fuel Warning: Is It Bad to Run A Car on Low Fuel?
You know the feeling…Your gas gauge has just lit up giving you a low fuel warning. Can you make it to the pump in time?
It happens to all of us at one time or another. Sometimes life gets busy and you forget how low your fuel has become, but driving on E is never good. Besides the fear of running out of gas on the side of the road, there are other serious factors to consider.
Does Running Out of Gas Damage Fuel Injectors?
Running out of gas can play havoc with your fuel delivery system. For example, if you’re driving a late model vehicle, then most certainly it is equipped with an electric fuel pump that fits in your gas tank.
This fuel pump uses gasoline in two ways, to cool and lubricate itself. With far less fuel to work with, the fuel pump cannot form these critical functions. That means ...
It happens to all of us at one time or another. Sometimes life gets busy and you forget how low your fuel has become, but driving on E is never good. Besides the fear of running out of gas on the side of the road, there are other serious factors to consider.
Does Running Out of Gas Damage Fuel Injectors?
Running out of gas can play havoc with your fuel delivery system. For example, if you’re driving a late model vehicle, then most certainly it is equipped with an electric fuel pump that fits in your gas tank.
This fuel pump uses gasoline in two ways, to cool and lubricate itself. With far less fuel to work with, the fuel pump cannot form these critical functions. That means ...
How Do You Winterize A Pickup Truck?
Winter is hard on vehicles, and it’s hard on even the toughest trucks. That’s why it’s important to winterize a pickup truck, preparing it against frigid temperatures, ice, and snow. How? By following these simple tips.
Antifreeze
Check your antifreeze to make sure you have enough. Just do it before wintry weather strikes. Most trucks work just fine on a mixture of 50/50 water to antifreeze ratio. This will protect your vehicle to -20 degrees below zero.
However, if you live in an area that regularly drops below zero, don’t assume that this is enough protection. Take the extra precaution of removing some of your radiator fluid and replacing it with antifreeze.
Not sure what the ratio should be for your truck? Ask your mechanic. Just remember to return to your summer blend when warm weather ret...
Antifreeze
Check your antifreeze to make sure you have enough. Just do it before wintry weather strikes. Most trucks work just fine on a mixture of 50/50 water to antifreeze ratio. This will protect your vehicle to -20 degrees below zero.
However, if you live in an area that regularly drops below zero, don’t assume that this is enough protection. Take the extra precaution of removing some of your radiator fluid and replacing it with antifreeze.
Not sure what the ratio should be for your truck? Ask your mechanic. Just remember to return to your summer blend when warm weather ret...
(Lesser Known) Used Car Polishing Tips for A Deep Shine
As a Harrisonburg used car dealer, we buy pre-owned cars all the time. We know firsthand that environmental assaults like bugs, dirt, and gravel can affect the looks of a brand new vehicle.
That’s why we’re sharing our tips—some you might not have thought of—to help preserve the luster of your vehicle’s exterior.
Knowing what kinds of polishes to use right from the start as well as how to polish is important. It can help keep swirls, etching, scratches, as well as oxidation to a minimum while maximizing shine. Read on to learn more about car polishing your vehicle.
Car Polishing Know How: Is There Really a Best Car Polish?
Contrary to car polishing ads, there is no one polish to use to give you that deep, new car shine. Sometimes, depending on the condition of the paint, you may need to use t...
That’s why we’re sharing our tips—some you might not have thought of—to help preserve the luster of your vehicle’s exterior.
Knowing what kinds of polishes to use right from the start as well as how to polish is important. It can help keep swirls, etching, scratches, as well as oxidation to a minimum while maximizing shine. Read on to learn more about car polishing your vehicle.
Car Polishing Know How: Is There Really a Best Car Polish?
Contrary to car polishing ads, there is no one polish to use to give you that deep, new car shine. Sometimes, depending on the condition of the paint, you may need to use t...
The New Cadillac CT4: Elegance Refined
In the luxury car market? The new Cadillac CT4 offers plenty for the senses starting with a bold color-and-trim palate that features 11 color exterior options, and eight distinct interior colors including material and trim options.
The CT4 lets you make a statement and stand head and shoulders above the crowd.
With all-wheel drive available on all models, Cadillac leverages its award-winning real wheel architecture, delivering a driving experienced that’s unmatched by its front-end competition.
And, of course, Cadillac incorporates all the latest technologies, including Super Cruise 1. This feature introduces the world’s first hands-free driver assistance going the distance of 200,000 miles of compatible highways both in Canada and the US.
Cadillac CT4 Sleek Design Appeals to Youthful, Luxury ...
The CT4 lets you make a statement and stand head and shoulders above the crowd.
With all-wheel drive available on all models, Cadillac leverages its award-winning real wheel architecture, delivering a driving experienced that’s unmatched by its front-end competition.
And, of course, Cadillac incorporates all the latest technologies, including Super Cruise 1. This feature introduces the world’s first hands-free driver assistance going the distance of 200,000 miles of compatible highways both in Canada and the US.
Cadillac CT4 Sleek Design Appeals to Youthful, Luxury ...
How to Care for New Car Paint
When you buy a new car, you want it to look new for as long as possible. There are many ways to do that, but when it comes to the exterior taking care of your new car paint is a must.
Maintaining your car from the very beginning can keep it looking brand new for as long as you own it.
As new car dealers in Harrisonburg, we want to see you get the most for your money. So, when you’re ready to sell, you can retain its value. Here’s our take on new car paint requirements for doing exactly that.
New Car Paint: Washing Your Car
Whether you take your vehicle to a car wash or you wash it yourself, make sure you clean your vehicle regularly. Dirt is the enemy. Washing your vehicle at least once per month is necessary.
Use a high-quality automotive soap and apply with a foam sponge using straight lines,...
Maintaining your car from the very beginning can keep it looking brand new for as long as you own it.
As new car dealers in Harrisonburg, we want to see you get the most for your money. So, when you’re ready to sell, you can retain its value. Here’s our take on new car paint requirements for doing exactly that.
New Car Paint: Washing Your Car
Whether you take your vehicle to a car wash or you wash it yourself, make sure you clean your vehicle regularly. Dirt is the enemy. Washing your vehicle at least once per month is necessary.
Use a high-quality automotive soap and apply with a foam sponge using straight lines,...
