Car Wash Soap: 3 Best Types to Use
Here at Joe Bowman Chevy, we’re all about helping you to make your car last as long as possible. Taking care of the exterior of your vehicle is one way to car for your car, truck, or SUV. That’s why we’ve put together our list of the three best types of car wash soaps to use on your vehicle.
Here at Joe Bowman Chevy, we’re all about helping you to make your car last as long as possible. Taking care of the exterior of your vehicle is one way to car for your car, truck, or SUV. That’s why we’ve put together our list of the three best types of car wash soaps to use on your vehicle.
All soaps do the same job, clean a surface, right? True, but each soap has its own method for cleaning. Think laundry soap, hand soap, dish detergent. So why not use them for a car wash soap?
While it might seem handy to reach for one of these household cleaners, the truth is any of them can ruin your vehicle’s paint!
Using a dedicated car wash soap is the first stop to preserving your car’s paint. And definitely choosing a quality car wash soap will extend ...
Chevrolet’s 2021 SUVS: 5 Lifestyle Choices
2021 Chevrolet Trax: Performance, Agility, and Speed
Want the convenience of more room in your vehicle? Don’t want to compromise on quality? Good news! Chevrolet’s 2021 SUV’s deliver on both value and quality. In fact, there are five to choose from—one for every lifestyle—that offer ample cargo space and seating.
Take a look at what Chevy offers families both large and small. Then decide which one is right for you.
2021 Chevrolet Trax: Performance, Agility, and Speed
This city-friendly Chevy SUV, Trax is easy on gas without compromising pep and agility. With 48.4 cubic cargo space, you’ve also got plenty of space. Seating up to five passengers, this compact design is sure to please.
The Trax also has the technology every driver wants, keeping you connected to your favorite people as well as providin...
The Trax also has the technology every driver wants, keeping you connected to your favorite people as well as providin...
What Type of Windshield Wiper Fluid Should I Use?
No matter what the time of year, safety is always in season! Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we’re huge advocates of staying safe on the road. And, of course, there are many ways to do that.
So, what type should you choose? First up, what you shouldn’t choose is plain water. It works adequately in warm temperatures, but it can breed bacteria like legionella bacteria that causes Legionnaire’s disease.
And, in the winter, water freezes.
Instead, here are four options that are far safer and better than water.
Standard Windshield Washer Fluid
This is the least expensive option to choose...
When it comes to vehicle maintenance, one of the simplest ways to stay safe on the road is to keep your windshield clean, free of debris. That’s why choosing a good windshield wiper fluid is key.
So, what type should you choose? First up, what you shouldn’t choose is plain water. It works adequately in warm temperatures, but it can breed bacteria like legionella bacteria that causes Legionnaire’s disease.
And, in the winter, water freezes.
Instead, here are four options that are far safer and better than water.
Standard Windshield Washer Fluid
This is the least expensive option to choose...
5 Big Benefits of Chevy Dealership Maintenance for Your New Vehicle
When you buy a brand new Chevrolet or Cadillac from Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, you want your vehicle to last as long as possible.
That’s where good, consistent maintenance comes in. At our Harrisonburg Chevy dealership, maintenance for your vehicle is what we preach!
Our service department is second to none in providing the best auto maintenance and repair services. In fact, we’ve listed five big benefits of working with the pros in our service department.
Chevy Certified Technicians
The GM certified technicians in our service department are highly trained. They know your vehicle inside and out. While they can work on any brand that comes through the door—and do it very well—GM certified technicians have also been trained to know every inch of your Chevrolet or C...
That’s where good, consistent maintenance comes in. At our Harrisonburg Chevy dealership, maintenance for your vehicle is what we preach!
Our service department is second to none in providing the best auto maintenance and repair services. In fact, we’ve listed five big benefits of working with the pros in our service department.
Chevy Certified Technicians
The GM certified technicians in our service department are highly trained. They know your vehicle inside and out. While they can work on any brand that comes through the door—and do it very well—GM certified technicians have also been trained to know every inch of your Chevrolet or C...
Spring 2021 Auto Tune Up Guide
Now that spring is definitely here, millions of people are planning on taking a road trip. That means it’s time for our Spring 2021 auto tune up guide. Get your vehicle ready for worry-free driving!
Exterior Checkup
One of the first places to begin your spring checkup is with your wiper blades. Replacing them every six months is a good policy. Or when they are torn, cracked, split, causing windshield streaks or chattering.
Next, check tires. Look for bald spots or bulges. Check air pressure and inspect your tires for low or uneven tread. These conditions could indicate a need for a wheel alignment.
Paint and Resale Value
It’s time to wash your vehicle and doing it by hand is the best way to ensure it’s thoroughly and gently cleaned. Once you’ve got the exterior cleaned, wax it! Regular waxing p...
Exterior Checkup
One of the first places to begin your spring checkup is with your wiper blades. Replacing them every six months is a good policy. Or when they are torn, cracked, split, causing windshield streaks or chattering.
Next, check tires. Look for bald spots or bulges. Check air pressure and inspect your tires for low or uneven tread. These conditions could indicate a need for a wheel alignment.
Paint and Resale Value
It’s time to wash your vehicle and doing it by hand is the best way to ensure it’s thoroughly and gently cleaned. Once you’ve got the exterior cleaned, wax it! Regular waxing p...
Dynamite 4-Cylinder Pick Up Truck: Chevy Colorado
When buying a truck, not everyone needs a V-6 or V-8 cylinder full-sized pick up truck. In fact, small or medium sized trucks have hit record sales in the past few years.
Consumers that want a truck for the occasional tow, a daily commute, driving kids to school, and for shopping, love the Chevy Colorado. Even businesses find this workhorse pick up truck a valuable part of the team.
With lower maintenance costs, they are also cheaper to operate than one-ton pickups. The 4-cylinder Colorado offers good towing capabilities as well as good gas mileage, and is reliable, comfortable, and attractive.
A 2020 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy award winner, the Chevy Colorado is a midsized truck designed to take on adventure in style! With a full boxed frame and 4-wheel disc brakes with Duralife® rotors, the...
Consumers that want a truck for the occasional tow, a daily commute, driving kids to school, and for shopping, love the Chevy Colorado. Even businesses find this workhorse pick up truck a valuable part of the team.
With lower maintenance costs, they are also cheaper to operate than one-ton pickups. The 4-cylinder Colorado offers good towing capabilities as well as good gas mileage, and is reliable, comfortable, and attractive.
A 2020 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy award winner, the Chevy Colorado is a midsized truck designed to take on adventure in style! With a full boxed frame and 4-wheel disc brakes with Duralife® rotors, the...
New Car and Used Car Financing: What’s the Difference?
You might think there’s a big difference between financing a new car and financing a used car. Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, there really isn’t much difference at all!
Sometimes, car manufacturers offer special rates through select lenders that are tied to that brand. These rates are offered only a particular model for those consumers who have higher credit scores, but that is outside of our financing department.
That’s why, generally speaking, the difference between new car and used car financing comes down to the price tag. New cars are a greater investment than pre-owned vehicles. So more money is required, but that’s where the difference ends.
There are, however, three requirements for both types of financing.
3 New and Used Car Financing Requirements
Whether you buy a new or used car, the...
Sometimes, car manufacturers offer special rates through select lenders that are tied to that brand. These rates are offered only a particular model for those consumers who have higher credit scores, but that is outside of our financing department.
That’s why, generally speaking, the difference between new car and used car financing comes down to the price tag. New cars are a greater investment than pre-owned vehicles. So more money is required, but that’s where the difference ends.
There are, however, three requirements for both types of financing.
3 New and Used Car Financing Requirements
Whether you buy a new or used car, the...
7 Steps to Prepare to Apply for A Car Loan
Buying a car is a serious investment, one that requires thought and planning. So how do you prepare to apply for a car loan? Here are the 7 steps that will get you ready!
Credit Reports
Before you do anything, check your credit report with the major credit bureaus. Look for possible errors and dispute any that you find. According to Experian, it typically takes 10-14 business days to correct errors. This can be an easy way to give your credit score a lift!
Pre-Qualify
Use the Joe Bowman pre-qualification app to determine how much you spend on a car, determine loan length and your estimated monthly payment.
You’ll also want to run insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs as well.
Research Cars
Not sure whether to buy a new or used car? Once you know your budget, look for cars that meet your lifesty...
Credit Reports
Before you do anything, check your credit report with the major credit bureaus. Look for possible errors and dispute any that you find. According to Experian, it typically takes 10-14 business days to correct errors. This can be an easy way to give your credit score a lift!
Pre-Qualify
Use the Joe Bowman pre-qualification app to determine how much you spend on a car, determine loan length and your estimated monthly payment.
You’ll also want to run insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs as well.
Research Cars
Not sure whether to buy a new or used car? Once you know your budget, look for cars that meet your lifesty...
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray: Mid-Engine Sports Car (2020 Car of the Year)
It was the third time the Corvette was honored by a select 50-member jury of independent journalists as car of the year. First in 1998, again in 2014, and then, in 2020.
The North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year Awards honors automotive excellence in safety, design, performance, driver satisfaction, value, and technology.
Originally founded in 1994 by Christopher Jensen, NACTOY awards are judged by approximately 50 professional automotive journalist jurors from both Canada and the US.
These journalists work for independent magazines, radio, TV, industry websites, and newspapers.
Chevrolet Corvette Mid-Engine Marvel
For the new 2021 year, the Chevy Corvette continues to carve out its legacy with its mid-engine marvel. The balance of design and performance puts you out in front with ...
3 Ways to Pay Off Your Car Loan Faster
Have you ever wondered if you really could pay off your car loan faster? Think of what you could do with the extra money! Save for a home, take more vacations, build up your savings account…the list is practically endless.
The good news is there are ways to whittle down that balance so that you can free up your money. Here are three of the most common ways.
Make Extra Monthly Payment to Pay Off Your Car Loan Faster
Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we have simple interest loans. That means you can pay extra on your car loan—or pay it off early—with no penalty. Paying an additional $100 per month on the principle of your loan equals an additional $1200 per year reduction in the loan amount.
That’s important. Because the quicker you reduce the principle amount, the less interest you will accrue and...
The good news is there are ways to whittle down that balance so that you can free up your money. Here are three of the most common ways.
Make Extra Monthly Payment to Pay Off Your Car Loan Faster
Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we have simple interest loans. That means you can pay extra on your car loan—or pay it off early—with no penalty. Paying an additional $100 per month on the principle of your loan equals an additional $1200 per year reduction in the loan amount.
That’s important. Because the quicker you reduce the principle amount, the less interest you will accrue and...
Trading in a Car at a Dealership: How Does It Work?
Ready to buy a new car or a quality used car but still have your old vehicle? When you’re ready move on, there are three ways to part with it. You can sell it privately, sell it outright to a dealership, or you can trade it in.
Trading in a car at a dealership can resolve the issue of trying to sell it yourself. You won’t have to pay for ads, negotiate a price, get an appraisal, and do all the legal paperwork required with selling a car.
With a trade-in, simply come to an agreed upon price with the dealer and let them handle the rest.
When Trading in a Car at a Dealership is a Good Idea
How do you know when it’s a good idea to trade in your vehicle? The best scenario is when:
• The vehicle is paid for
• The vehicle is in good to excellent condition
• &nbs...
Trading in a car at a dealership can resolve the issue of trying to sell it yourself. You won’t have to pay for ads, negotiate a price, get an appraisal, and do all the legal paperwork required with selling a car.
With a trade-in, simply come to an agreed upon price with the dealer and let them handle the rest.
When Trading in a Car at a Dealership is a Good Idea
How do you know when it’s a good idea to trade in your vehicle? The best scenario is when:
• The vehicle is paid for
• The vehicle is in good to excellent condition
• &nbs...
3 Big Factors That Affect Your Monthly Car Loan Payment
What’s the biggest purchase you’ll ever make in your lifetime? Buying a house. The second biggest? Buying a vehicle. Just like buying a house, it takes planning and preparation to buy a new car or a quality used car.
In fact, there are three big factors that affect your monthly car loan payment: car loan amount, interest rate, and loan terms. All of it together takes planning and careful consideration to help you get the best loan terms possible.
Here’s a breakdown.
Car Loan Amount
When you’re approved for a car loan, the lender will specify the amount of money you’ll borrow, the interest you’ll pay, and the time period for repayment.
The amount of money you can borrow hinges on:
• whether you still owe money on your current vehicle
• the purchase price ...
In fact, there are three big factors that affect your monthly car loan payment: car loan amount, interest rate, and loan terms. All of it together takes planning and careful consideration to help you get the best loan terms possible.
Here’s a breakdown.
Car Loan Amount
When you’re approved for a car loan, the lender will specify the amount of money you’ll borrow, the interest you’ll pay, and the time period for repayment.
The amount of money you can borrow hinges on:
• whether you still owe money on your current vehicle
• the purchase price ...
