The Harrisonburg Used Car Preventative Checklist
Harrisonburg used car buyers know one thing for sure. The surest path to a long healthy relationship with your vehicle is the old adage, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
If you want to maximize your car’s life (and who doesn’t?) every used car owner knows you need short term and long-term checkups. It’s the best way to keep your vehicle way into old age.
Yes, it takes a little bit of effort, but it is so worth it. Not only will your car perform better over its life but if you decide to sell it, you can ask top dollar for it!
Here’s what we recommend for short term checkups:
Air Filter
Because your air filter regulates air flow to your engine, you want to make sure that your air filter is doing its job properly. Check to make sure it’s keeping out debris and particulates. Doing s...
If you want to maximize your car’s life (and who doesn’t?) every used car owner knows you need short term and long-term checkups. It’s the best way to keep your vehicle way into old age.
Yes, it takes a little bit of effort, but it is so worth it. Not only will your car perform better over its life but if you decide to sell it, you can ask top dollar for it!
Here’s what we recommend for short term checkups:
Air Filter
Because your air filter regulates air flow to your engine, you want to make sure that your air filter is doing its job properly. Check to make sure it’s keeping out debris and particulates. Doing s...

10 Steps Every Used Truck Owner Should Take for A Long Lasting Ride
Harrisonburg used truck owners are pretty darn serious about their trucks. And it's no wonder. Trucks are considered to be some of the most durable vehicles on the road. But if you don’t give them the care they need, they won’t stay durable.
That's why we’ve put together 10 essential care tips, some of which are common sense but sometimes overlooked. Following these tips will make sure your truck loves you back mile after mile.
Transmission
If you’re driving a 4 x 4 off road, the transmission is getting seriously taxed. Invest in an oil cooler if your vehicle doesn’t have an auxiliary one. Automatic transmissions tend to overheat more so than manuals when driven off road. Make sure you change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles.
Differentials
The gears on the front and rear axles are call...
That's why we’ve put together 10 essential care tips, some of which are common sense but sometimes overlooked. Following these tips will make sure your truck loves you back mile after mile.
Transmission
If you’re driving a 4 x 4 off road, the transmission is getting seriously taxed. Invest in an oil cooler if your vehicle doesn’t have an auxiliary one. Automatic transmissions tend to overheat more so than manuals when driven off road. Make sure you change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles.
Differentials
The gears on the front and rear axles are call...

8 of the Best Hiking Spots in the Shenandoah Valley
Living an active lifestyle isn't difficult when you live in a place like Harrisonburg, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. There are plenty of trails for the novice hiker and adventurous sort alike, and we've compiled a list of the best 8 for you to check out!
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
Located at 780 University Boulevard, the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is one of Harrisonburg's most well-known, but still hidden, treasures. Both an arboretum and botanical gardens, this is a great place that will appeal to the whole family. Kids will love the abundance of trees, flowers, and wildlife that are prevalent at this destination. Here you'll find more than two miles of hiking trails perfect for an afternoon trek.
Hillandale Park
Next up on the list, and also located in Harrisonburg, is Hillandale Pa...
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
Located at 780 University Boulevard, the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is one of Harrisonburg's most well-known, but still hidden, treasures. Both an arboretum and botanical gardens, this is a great place that will appeal to the whole family. Kids will love the abundance of trees, flowers, and wildlife that are prevalent at this destination. Here you'll find more than two miles of hiking trails perfect for an afternoon trek.
Hillandale Park
Next up on the list, and also located in Harrisonburg, is Hillandale Pa...

7 Huge Benefits of Buying A Used Car (You Probably Never Thought Of)
It’s no secret that Americans love automobiles and trucks, and they don’t let much get in the way of owning one. What’s even better is that buying a used car today comes with more bells and whistles, and prices are more affordable.
If you’re considering buying a used car, check out our list of 7 reasons why you might want to invest in a pre-owned vehicle.
Money Saver
When you drive a new car off of any Harrisonburg car dealership lot, you’re paying for the depreciation upfront. Not so with a pre-owned vehicle.
The depreciation is gone with the wind. Instead of paying thousands of dollars more for a new vehicle with 20 miles on it, you can buy the same car used with 12,000 miles on it and still come out ahead. Sweet, huh?
Retained Value
When you buy a used vehicle from Joe Bowman Auto sales, you’...
If you’re considering buying a used car, check out our list of 7 reasons why you might want to invest in a pre-owned vehicle.
Money Saver
When you drive a new car off of any Harrisonburg car dealership lot, you’re paying for the depreciation upfront. Not so with a pre-owned vehicle.
The depreciation is gone with the wind. Instead of paying thousands of dollars more for a new vehicle with 20 miles on it, you can buy the same car used with 12,000 miles on it and still come out ahead. Sweet, huh?
Retained Value
When you buy a used vehicle from Joe Bowman Auto sales, you’...

Buying a Car? Be Sure to Have the Following Beforehand
Purchasing a new (or new-to-you) vehicle can be a fun, albeit somewhat frightening, experience. It doesn't have to be that way, though! Our team here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza work tirelessly to alleviate this anxiety for you by offering the ultimate level of customer service from test drive to delivery. This is why we've compiled a handy list of items and documentation you should have prepared prior to visiting a dealership.
Documents to Bring When Buying A Car
Documents to Bring When Buying A Car
- Driver's License - This one is pretty basic, but if you plan on test driving your vehicle before finalizing the purchase, you'll need to bring your valid Driver's License. While you should have this document with you at all times anyway, it's especially important to remember it when making a vehicle purchase.
- Proof of Insurance - This ...

Topping Off Your Gas Tank? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t
Gas has gotten a lot more expensive over the years so it’s no wonder you want to squeeze every bit you can into your gas tank.
But the simple act of trying to get more value for your buck is actually hurting your car.
First of all, topping off your gas tank causes damage to your vehicle’s charcoal filter. It can overwhelm your evaporation system and break something, or it can cause a hazardous leak because of the excess system pressure.
It also causes a pressure build in the tank which floods the carbon filter vapor collection system. Remember, it’s only made for vapor, not liquids.
The overflow can then affect your vehicle’s performance and possible cause engine damage.
If you do damage your car’s vapor recovery system from topping off your gas tank, the vehicle will not protect people or the...
But the simple act of trying to get more value for your buck is actually hurting your car.
First of all, topping off your gas tank causes damage to your vehicle’s charcoal filter. It can overwhelm your evaporation system and break something, or it can cause a hazardous leak because of the excess system pressure.
It also causes a pressure build in the tank which floods the carbon filter vapor collection system. Remember, it’s only made for vapor, not liquids.
The overflow can then affect your vehicle’s performance and possible cause engine damage.
If you do damage your car’s vapor recovery system from topping off your gas tank, the vehicle will not protect people or the...

Meet the All-New 2021 Chevy Tahoe
Impossible to ignore. That’s how we here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza describe the brand new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Already America’s favorite large sports utility vehicle by a landslide, the all-new changes to this best-selling SUV are sure to cement its place in all of our hearts. Roomier than ever, the three-row SUV now offers more cabin, cargo, and third row space than previous versions. In addition to the two engine types offered in earlier models, the Tahoe now also has an eco-diesel option. The Tahoe also boasts new safety and infotainment features sure to please anyone considering this purchase--technophiles and technophobes alike!
New Features & Specs
If you’re looking for a completely brand new design inside and out, the Tahoe certainly fits that need. With a completely redesigned in...

Pick Up Truck Maintenance: 5 Basic (But Essential) Tips
Pickup truck lovers know their vehicles perform double duty, work and recreation. Because pickup trucks serve multiple purposes, it’s important to pay close attention to their maintenance needs.
While they might seem simple, or even obvious, these 5 pickup truck maintenance tips are the foundation for keeping your truck running well into old age.
Engine Oil and Filter
Engine oil can easily become contaminated. That’s why it’s important to routinely check it for dirt, dust, and other debris. A clean engine is a happy engine.
The same is true with your oil filter. It needs clean air to function at peak performance. Dust, dirt, and debris slows down the engine’s performance and efficiency.
Check your owner’s manual for the recommended truck maintenance schedule and follow it religiously!
Check Thos...
While they might seem simple, or even obvious, these 5 pickup truck maintenance tips are the foundation for keeping your truck running well into old age.
Engine Oil and Filter
Engine oil can easily become contaminated. That’s why it’s important to routinely check it for dirt, dust, and other debris. A clean engine is a happy engine.
The same is true with your oil filter. It needs clean air to function at peak performance. Dust, dirt, and debris slows down the engine’s performance and efficiency.
Check your owner’s manual for the recommended truck maintenance schedule and follow it religiously!
Check Thos...

7 DIY Car Tips Every Driver Should Know
Here at our Harrisonburg, VA car lot, we recommend getting your used and new car regularly serviced. It’s the best way to keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come. But there are some practical DIY car tips that save you money and can possibly even save your life should you have an accident. Check out our list below.
Vinegar & Water De-Icer Prep
This simple and safe de-icing solution is a great winter tip. If you’re expecting ice, mix two to three parts apple cider vinegar to one-part water. Spray it on windshields the night before. The vinegar’s acidity will prevent ice from forming. You won’t have to worry about de-icing your car the next morning!
Do You Have A RoadSide Hero?
This handy gadget is a 9-in-1 multi-function lifesaving tool! If you’ve ever been in an accident, you know...

Want to Buy A New Car? 5 Top Reasons to Choose a Chevy
Here’s a sobering thought. Every year, 38,000 Americans die in car crashes. Makes you want to tug on your seat belt a little tighter, doesn’t it?
While you want to stay safe on the road adhering to traffic laws and watching out for the other guy (you never know what he or she might do!), it’s also important to feel comfortable.
Fortunately, Chevrolet has you covered on both fronts. There are five big reasons to choose a Chevy. Plus, our Harrisonburg dealership has a good selection of new cars under $25,000 and that speaks to our third reason to choose a Chevy! Read on.
1-Chevrolet Brand is Safe
Road safety is Chevy’s #1 priority and it’s yours as well when you’re ready to buy. The good news is the Chevrolet brand is known for safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) i...

What is Top Tier Gasoline and Why Is It Exceptional for Your Car?
There’s a study from AAA that found more detergent additives makes a significant quality difference in the gas you buy. That’s why AAA is recommending that drivers should buy Top Tier fuel because of its life-extending benefits.
But what exactly is top tier gasoline?
Not a grade of gasoline, Top Tier is more a performance standard in gasoline which is backed by major automakers, including General Motors.
But to understand how good this gas is let’s back up to the 1990’s. That’s when the Environmental Protection Agency required minimum levels of detergents in gasoline.
Some auto manufacturers didn’t think the standards were high enough. So, a core group of automakers created a fuel program for optimal vehicle performance.
Today, these automakers all recommend Top Tier gasoline:
• General Motors
•...
But what exactly is top tier gasoline?
Not a grade of gasoline, Top Tier is more a performance standard in gasoline which is backed by major automakers, including General Motors.
But to understand how good this gas is let’s back up to the 1990’s. That’s when the Environmental Protection Agency required minimum levels of detergents in gasoline.
Some auto manufacturers didn’t think the standards were high enough. So, a core group of automakers created a fuel program for optimal vehicle performance.
Today, these automakers all recommend Top Tier gasoline:
• General Motors
•...

Buying A Used Car? Is Age or Mileage More Important?
When buying a used car, there seems to be two ways consumers gauge the worth, the number of miles and the vehicle’s age. Both of these factors also affect pricing.
For example, a car that’s eight years will carry a lower price tag than one that’s two years old. And a car with 100,000 miles is usually less costly than one with only 20,000 miles.
But what if the vehicle is two years old and has 100,000 miles on it? Or, a vehicle is 7 years old and only has 15,000 miles on it?
Which should cause you more consideration before buying? Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we sell lots of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. We’ve been doing it for 60+ years.
Here’s our take on it.
Mileage
A car’s odometer tells the story of much life it has lived. So mileage should be a big consideration before purchasing. A car w...
For example, a car that’s eight years will carry a lower price tag than one that’s two years old. And a car with 100,000 miles is usually less costly than one with only 20,000 miles.
But what if the vehicle is two years old and has 100,000 miles on it? Or, a vehicle is 7 years old and only has 15,000 miles on it?
Which should cause you more consideration before buying? Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we sell lots of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. We’ve been doing it for 60+ years.
Here’s our take on it.
Mileage
A car’s odometer tells the story of much life it has lived. So mileage should be a big consideration before purchasing. A car w...
