Car Smells: 7 Odors That Can Spell Trouble
You’re driving down the road and suddenly it hits you…what’s that smell? There’s nothing under the seat and the rest of the interior is in the clear. So, what gives?
Car smells are a sign that something is amiss with the vehicle. But what do they mean? Here are seven car smells that warrant mechanical attention.
Your Car Smells Like Burning Rubber
Since you’re not a race car driver out for a track spin, the smell of burning rubber can mean one of two possibilities. A rubber belt or hose has loosened causing it to come in contract with hot engine parts.
Secondly, you have a fluid or oil leak, or a damaged or worn out drive belt. Either way, it’s time to get that smell checked out. Loose belts and hoses don’t resolve on their own.
Your Car has a Weird Burning Smell
When it doesn’t smell like ...
Car smells are a sign that something is amiss with the vehicle. But what do they mean? Here are seven car smells that warrant mechanical attention.
Your Car Smells Like Burning Rubber
Since you’re not a race car driver out for a track spin, the smell of burning rubber can mean one of two possibilities. A rubber belt or hose has loosened causing it to come in contract with hot engine parts.
Secondly, you have a fluid or oil leak, or a damaged or worn out drive belt. Either way, it’s time to get that smell checked out. Loose belts and hoses don’t resolve on their own.
Your Car has a Weird Burning Smell
When it doesn’t smell like ...
Car Loan Amortization: What It Is and How It Works
When buying a car, knowing the structure of your car loan—the interest rate and terms—is important but understanding how you’ll pay it off is just as important.
That’s why understanding car loan amortization and how it works is a must for anyone borrowing money from a bank.
Let’s look at how this loan system works and how you can use it to work for you.
What Is Car Loan Amortization?
Amortization is the process of paying down your loan over time. Each month, you’ll have a portion of your payment applied to the principal and a portion applied to the interest.
The principal is the amount you’ve borrowed to buy your vehicle. Interest is the cost the lender is charging you to borrow the money.
For example, suppose you borrow $20,000 to buy a new car. This would be considered the princi...
That’s why understanding car loan amortization and how it works is a must for anyone borrowing money from a bank.
Let’s look at how this loan system works and how you can use it to work for you.
What Is Car Loan Amortization?
Amortization is the process of paying down your loan over time. Each month, you’ll have a portion of your payment applied to the principal and a portion applied to the interest.
The principal is the amount you’ve borrowed to buy your vehicle. Interest is the cost the lender is charging you to borrow the money.
For example, suppose you borrow $20,000 to buy a new car. This would be considered the princi...
Chevrolet Malibu 2022: The Elegant, Mid-Size Sedan
The Chevrolet Malibu 2022 has head-turning style and an artfully crafted interior. Whether you’re going to work or heading out for evening entertainment, the Chevy Malibu elevates your everyday driving experience!
And with gas mileage of the 1.5L Turbo an average of 29 MPG in the city and 36 MPG for the highway, the Malibu’s elegance is also a very practical vehicle.
Want more power? Opt for the 2.0L Turbo. Gas mileage averages 22 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.
Either way, comfort, elegance, and ease of driving is standard fare with your everyday driving.
Chevrolet Malibu 2022: The Standard Features
As you would expect, Chevy does not cut corners with its standard features. The LS model with IFL equipment group has Rear Vision Camera, OnStar-embedded hardware which in...
And with gas mileage of the 1.5L Turbo an average of 29 MPG in the city and 36 MPG for the highway, the Malibu’s elegance is also a very practical vehicle.
Want more power? Opt for the 2.0L Turbo. Gas mileage averages 22 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.
Either way, comfort, elegance, and ease of driving is standard fare with your everyday driving.
Chevrolet Malibu 2022: The Standard Features
As you would expect, Chevy does not cut corners with its standard features. The LS model with IFL equipment group has Rear Vision Camera, OnStar-embedded hardware which in...
(You Can) Improve Your Credit Score in 30 Days: 5 Ways
In the world of finance, a good credit score is like gold. The better your score, the more it can open doors for you.
A good credit score allows you to enjoy better interest rates and more favorable loan terms on personal and auto loans. It also means you can enjoy higher credit limits on your credit accounts, new or existing.
That’s why you want to guard a good credit score as if it was treasure because it is!
But what if your credit score needs a little work? Can you really improve your score in a month?
Yes, you can improve your credit score in 30 days. However, to substantially improve it takes time. Because good credit is so valuable, make the commitment to focus on your personal finances and credit history.
If your credit score needs work, start now so you can see a bump i...
A good credit score allows you to enjoy better interest rates and more favorable loan terms on personal and auto loans. It also means you can enjoy higher credit limits on your credit accounts, new or existing.
That’s why you want to guard a good credit score as if it was treasure because it is!
But what if your credit score needs a little work? Can you really improve your score in a month?
Yes, you can improve your credit score in 30 days. However, to substantially improve it takes time. Because good credit is so valuable, make the commitment to focus on your personal finances and credit history.
If your credit score needs work, start now so you can see a bump i...
The 2022 Chevy Camaro: For the Joy of Driving
The Camaro legend continues with the 2022 model! Driving a Camaro is about the pure and simple joy of driving.
With lithe handling, a satisfying stick shift transmission, and a 275-hp turbo four, the ride—as you would expect—is remarkably smooth.
Performance for price, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better value than the 2022 Camaro.
The 2022 Camaro Pushes the Limits of Performance and Style
With its aerodynamic looks, refined and driver-centric interior, the Camaro integrates form, high-powered function, and flair seamlessly.
Of course Chevy continues the legacy with track-inspired strength and capability. Choose between four potent powertrain options, all with Direct Injection.
2.0L Turbo-Standard
With lithe handling, a satisfying stick shift transmission, and a 275-hp turbo four, the ride—as you would expect—is remarkably smooth.
Performance for price, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better value than the 2022 Camaro.
The 2022 Camaro Pushes the Limits of Performance and Style
With its aerodynamic looks, refined and driver-centric interior, the Camaro integrates form, high-powered function, and flair seamlessly.
Of course Chevy continues the legacy with track-inspired strength and capability. Choose between four potent powertrain options, all with Direct Injection.
2.0L Turbo-Standard
- With 275 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque
- EPA estimate of 30 mpg on the highway
- Direct inje...
Simple Interest Car Loans: How They Work
Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we only have simple interest car loans for both our used car inventory as well as our new car inventory. We think this is the fairest way for our customers to buy a new vehicle.
In this article, we’ll break down how a simple interest loan works and why it is the best approach to new and used car buying.
What Is a Simple Interest Loan?
Simple interest loans are based solely on the principal amount borrowed. You’ll pay interest on your predetermined monthly payment that’s a percentage of the loan amount, or principal.
What’s the Difference Between Simple Interest and Compound Interest?
Compound interest means you pay interest on the interest. For example, savings accounts have compound interest which allows the depositor to e...
In this article, we’ll break down how a simple interest loan works and why it is the best approach to new and used car buying.
What Is a Simple Interest Loan?
Simple interest loans are based solely on the principal amount borrowed. You’ll pay interest on your predetermined monthly payment that’s a percentage of the loan amount, or principal.
What’s the Difference Between Simple Interest and Compound Interest?
Compound interest means you pay interest on the interest. For example, savings accounts have compound interest which allows the depositor to e...
Chevy 2022 Trailblazer: The Big Advantage of a Small SUV
Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Chevy 2022 Trailblazer takes the lead on so many fronts!
With an attractive exterior—and a variety of exterior styling options—the Trailblazer is thoughtfully constructed.
What you might not expect is that the Trailblazer is surprisingly spacious, offering a reversible two-tier adaptable storage system. One side is carpeted, and the other side has a durable surface that makes for easy cleaning. There’s plenty of room for your stuff!
And when it comes to seating, the Trailblazer offers flexibility designed for maximum comfort and utility, seating up to five. Your passengers will also enjoy best-in-class rear seat leg room.
Shorthanded loading your Trailblazer SUV? No worries. With the available hands-free liftgat...
With an attractive exterior—and a variety of exterior styling options—the Trailblazer is thoughtfully constructed.
What you might not expect is that the Trailblazer is surprisingly spacious, offering a reversible two-tier adaptable storage system. One side is carpeted, and the other side has a durable surface that makes for easy cleaning. There’s plenty of room for your stuff!
And when it comes to seating, the Trailblazer offers flexibility designed for maximum comfort and utility, seating up to five. Your passengers will also enjoy best-in-class rear seat leg room.
Shorthanded loading your Trailblazer SUV? No worries. With the available hands-free liftgat...
5 First Time Used Car Buying Tips for Teens
Your teen is thrilled. You? Not so much, but it is a rite of passage. And that is, your teen getting a driver’s license and a set of wheels. Buying a car is the first big step your teen takes towards adulthood. So, it’s no wonder parents get a little antsy!
To help prepare, we’ve outlined some first time used car buying tips for teens to help navigate this important milestone.
Best Way to Buy A Used Car
For most teens, buying a new car is out of reach. That’s why it makes sense to buy a used vehicle. But not just any used vehicle. It’s important to buy a quality used car, one that has been thoroughly vetted and has a limited warranty.
While there are plenty of private sellers to choose from, you won’t get the reassurance of buying a vehicle that has been serviced from to...
To help prepare, we’ve outlined some first time used car buying tips for teens to help navigate this important milestone.
Best Way to Buy A Used Car
For most teens, buying a new car is out of reach. That’s why it makes sense to buy a used vehicle. But not just any used vehicle. It’s important to buy a quality used car, one that has been thoroughly vetted and has a limited warranty.
While there are plenty of private sellers to choose from, you won’t get the reassurance of buying a vehicle that has been serviced from to...
Truck Maintenance Guide for Heavy Use Vehicles
Pickup truck owners love that their vehicles often pull double duty, lending a hand hauling and loading, and then as a family vehicle. It’s that capability and freedom that makes trucks so popular.
But some trucks are purchased to be workhorses. That’s their main responsibility. In fact, most owner’s manuals for trucks have two service intervals, one for regular truck use and one for off-road or heavy use
.
For the off-road user, truck maintenance typically requires shorter maintenance schedules than regular use trucks.
Here we review what off-road or heavy use trucks need to stay in top condition well past the 100,000 mile mark.
Lubricants and Fluids
Trucks that haul and tow on a regular basis experience more wear and tear than a truck with regular use.
However, clean fluids reduce sign...
But some trucks are purchased to be workhorses. That’s their main responsibility. In fact, most owner’s manuals for trucks have two service intervals, one for regular truck use and one for off-road or heavy use
.
For the off-road user, truck maintenance typically requires shorter maintenance schedules than regular use trucks.
Here we review what off-road or heavy use trucks need to stay in top condition well past the 100,000 mile mark.
Lubricants and Fluids
Trucks that haul and tow on a regular basis experience more wear and tear than a truck with regular use.
However, clean fluids reduce sign...
Transmission Fluid Leaks: Causes and Fixes
Leaks are never good. Doesn’t matter what it is. The sooner you get the leak fixed, the better!
That’s definitely true with transmission fluid leaks. A transmission leak is one of the worst leaks you can have with your car causing a hefty auto repair bill.
That’s because your transmission fluid serves a lot of automotive purposes such as lubricating mechanical parts, cooling, preventing oxidation, maintaining fluid pressure, preventing rust, and conditioning the gasket.
But the primary function is lubrication. Without it, your vehicle won’t function properly, if at all.
How Do You Know If You Have A Transmission Fluid Leak?
There are some half dozen fluids that keep your car running such as power steering fluid, engine oil, brake oil, and coolant. So how do you know the leak you ...
That’s definitely true with transmission fluid leaks. A transmission leak is one of the worst leaks you can have with your car causing a hefty auto repair bill.
That’s because your transmission fluid serves a lot of automotive purposes such as lubricating mechanical parts, cooling, preventing oxidation, maintaining fluid pressure, preventing rust, and conditioning the gasket.
But the primary function is lubrication. Without it, your vehicle won’t function properly, if at all.
How Do You Know If You Have A Transmission Fluid Leak?
There are some half dozen fluids that keep your car running such as power steering fluid, engine oil, brake oil, and coolant. So how do you know the leak you ...
7 Tips to Maintain Your New Car
One of the big advantages of buying a new car is that it needs less frequent maintenance service. Older model cars require a seasonal change of spark plugs, condenser, and breaker points.
And body rust? That was considered part of an aging vehicle.
With today’s new cars, the amount of maintenance you need to do has decreased. Spark plugs can go as long as 100,000 miles before they need changing.
Points and condensers are a thing of the past with the invention of electronic ignition. Suspensions, chassis, and even some transmissions are lubricated for the life of the vehicle.
As for body rust, car manufacturers usually have rust-through warranties lasting an incredible six years, if not longer!
These kinds of technological advancements make new car ownership easier than ever. Still, i...
And body rust? That was considered part of an aging vehicle.
With today’s new cars, the amount of maintenance you need to do has decreased. Spark plugs can go as long as 100,000 miles before they need changing.
Points and condensers are a thing of the past with the invention of electronic ignition. Suspensions, chassis, and even some transmissions are lubricated for the life of the vehicle.
As for body rust, car manufacturers usually have rust-through warranties lasting an incredible six years, if not longer!
These kinds of technological advancements make new car ownership easier than ever. Still, i...
7 Reasons to Love the 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2
From off-road adventures to navigating the city, the 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 takes on whatever you throw at it.
Not only does it feature animated headlights, a new front fascia, and a 13.4-inch touchscreen, but this new truck also offers hands-free driving technology, and an updated electronic shifter.
These are all great features that admittedly make us a little giddy. However, the following seven features seal the deal for us.
Accident Bumper Replacement
In the event that your Silverado ZR2 faceplants with Mother Nature, you’ll find that the front bumper is easy to replace. Chevy designed large plastic end caps for that very reason.
Multimatic Dampers
Chevy’s multimatic shocks give the ZR2 more suspension, and it uses three separate spool valves that allow the truck to keep ...
Not only does it feature animated headlights, a new front fascia, and a 13.4-inch touchscreen, but this new truck also offers hands-free driving technology, and an updated electronic shifter.
These are all great features that admittedly make us a little giddy. However, the following seven features seal the deal for us.
Accident Bumper Replacement
In the event that your Silverado ZR2 faceplants with Mother Nature, you’ll find that the front bumper is easy to replace. Chevy designed large plastic end caps for that very reason.
Multimatic Dampers
Chevy’s multimatic shocks give the ZR2 more suspension, and it uses three separate spool valves that allow the truck to keep ...
