There’s a lot of urban legend around changing the transmission fluid in your vehicle. The biggest legend is if the fluid hasn’t been changed in a long time, it shouldn’t be because it’s old.

That’s not really true, but here’s what IS true. If the valve body gets all gunked up with transmission fluid that’s damaged, the driver could lose the ability to shift between gears.

And that’s why so many people believe that changing old transmission fluid can cause it to slip. Want to avoid that whole dilemma altogether? Simply change your transmission fluid regularly and you won’t have to worry about it!

So, When Should You Change Your Transmission Fluid?

Every vehicle has its own requirements. That’s why following the recommendation in your owner’s manual is a must. It will tell you how often the transmission fluid should be changed, and what kind to use.

To check it, for most cars, the transmission dipstick is located behind the oil dipstick. You’ll see markings on it that indicate whether the fluid is adequate, or that more needs to be added.

How Do You Know When the Transmission Fluid Needs to Be Changed?

Wipe the dipstick with a clean rag or paper towel. Then look at the color of the transmission fluid.

• If it’s bright pink-the fluid is new. No need to change it.
• If it’s light brown with a hint of pink-It needs to be replaced.
• If it hasn’t been changed in a long time-it will be very dark brown. And, it may have metal particles floating about. This indicates transmission damage.

If your vehicle has lifetime transmission fluid, still check it around 100,000 miles. You want to make sure the vent tubes that allow pressure in your transmission to equalize isn’t allowing in dust and moisture, too.

Should You Flush or Simply Change the Transmission Fluid?

Again, let your owner’s manual be your guide! It will tell you which is recommended for your car, truck, or SUV.

For changing the fluid-Open the transmission drain (it’s on the underside of the car). About 50% of the fluid will drain into the pan. The other half stays in the torque converter as well as other parts of the transmission.

Flushing your transmission-This method allows you to completely change all of the fluid. Attach a transmission hose to the input of the line running through the transmission. Attach another to the output.

By pumping new transmission fluid into the transmission pushes out the old fluid. We caution that this method is only recommended if the current transmission fluid is in relatively good condition, showing no signs of damage.

Want to Avoid the Possibility of Transmission Damage?

As we stated at the beginning of this article, simply change the fluid frequently or as your owner’s manual recommends. This will ensure a healthy transmission for the life of your vehicle.

Remember, dirty fluid is not an effective lubricant, so it won’t disperse well. Once the clutch packs lose their grip, old fluid may be all that’s creating the friction needed to keep your transmission from slipping.

If you want some help keeping your vehicle healthy, consider the Joe Bowman GM certified service experts. Our technicians are highly trained and work on all types of vehicles. Schedule an appointment today!

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There’s nothing like the feel of stepping inside a new or quality used truck and driving it off the lot. It’s the best feeling in the world!

The good news is with proper routine truck maintenance, you can keep that good truck feeling for 100,000 miles or more.

If you love your truck as much as you love your partner and kids, then take a look at our 5 simple ways to show some truck love.

Religiously Change the Oil

We can’t preach this enough. Clean oil protects and lubricates your truck’s engine. Dirty engine oil causes problems.

Because it’s easy for oil to become contaminated with dirt, dust, and debris, changing it regularly will help keep the engine running smoothly. Just make sure you use a quality engine oil.

Consult your owner’s manual to find what’s recommended. Remember, keeping your engine happy will keep it purring for a long, long time!

Brake Fluid Mantra for the Care of Your Used Truck

Automedia.com has a good observation, “Brake fluid is cheap; calipers, hoses and sensors are expensive.” You might want to write that down and put it where you can see it every day.

Changing your truck’s brake fluid at least once per year is a money saver and life extender. Just like your engine oil, the kind of brake fluid and grease you use is just as important as changing the oil itself.

It keeps you from having to eventually replace more time-consuming, expensive parts. We don’t have to tell you what a headache that is!

And, as always, consult your owner’s manual to choose the right brake fluid for your vehicle. Adhering to scheduled lubrication will keep your powertrain strong!

Get a Front End Alignment as Needed

A vital part of truck maintenance is keeping the vehicle in alignment. Watch for unnecessary tire wear, a lack of steering control, and worsening gas mileage.

It’s a good practice to have our service department check the alignment when you get the oil changed.

Routinely Replace the Coolant

This one is critical. Just ask Auto Trader. They say, “A cooling system failure can result in your engine literally melting down.”

Fortunately, replacing coolant is easy to do and it’ll save you in the long run. Don’t risk it.

Protect Your Tires

Tires naturally lose air. That’s why it’s important to check them at least once each month. For every 8 pounds a tire is under inflated, the rolling resistance of your tires increases by 5%.

Check the inflation regularly and rotate tires to maintain even tread wear on all four tires. This also extends their life, helps with good gas mileage, and prolongs suspension components by reducing truck vibrations.

Our service department will also inspect the undercarriage, checking for possible problems that could become more costly later.

Another Way to Help Keep Your Truck in Good Shape

Life gets so busy that it’s easy to lose track of when you did what. That’s why we have a bonus suggestion.

Keep a record of dates of services performed on your truck with an inexpensive booklet. You can buy one at Wal-Mart and store it in the glove compartment for easy retrieval.

If you’ll follow these practical tips, both you and your used truck will have many happy miles together!

As a Harrisonburg car dealer of 60 years, Joe Bowman Auto Plaza works diligently to make sure your truck runs smoothly for years to come.

Our certified Chevy technicians are experienced at working on all kinds of trucks, not just Chevrolets.

Stop by and see our immaculate service department!

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Brakes are a vital part of driving and controlling your vehicle. You couldn’t operate a vehicle without them.

That’s why mushy, spongy, or squishy brakes can cause BIG problems if you don’t address them quickly! As A GM certified service department, we’ve learned over the years that there are generally 5 common reasons brakes malfunction. Here they are:

Old or Low Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is the key ingredient needed to bring your car to a stop. But just like brake pads, brake fluid can wear thin over time.

Can’t remember the last time you had a brake service? Then it could be that old brake fluid is causing the poor brake performance. Or, you could have a possible leak causing your fluid to be low. Either way, get it checked out!

Air in Brake Lines

This is one of the most common causes of spongy brakes. Unevenly distributed hydraulic air pressure causes the system to become out of balance, which causes a soft brake pedaling issue.

Air in your brake line could also be the result of low brake fluid or a leak.

Cylinder Wear

When your braking system isn’t working as well as it once was, it could be the master cylinder is malfunctioning. Its job is to distribute hydraulic pressure (see above-Air in Brake Lines) which distributes the brake fluid where it’s needed to stop your vehicle.

However, over time, master cylinder seals leak or break. If you have to push the brake pedal all the way to the floor to get the vehicle to stop, chances are there’s a problem in the master cylinder.

Brake Line Damage

Some of the biggest assaults on your brake line comes from rust which is a result of moisture and road salt. These elements can cause brake lines to leak, become brittle, and eventually, break.

If your car has been in a crash, the damage from the crash can also cause your brake lines to weaken, bend and collapse. That will make them more susceptible to other problems.

Damaged Disc Brake Caliper

As you can imagine, braking action generates a great deal of heat. Over time, that can damage your vehicle’s disc brake calipers. If you’re experiencing spongy brakes and your car pulls to one side when braking, it could be the disc brake caliper is damaged. You may also hear squealing or squeaky sound when applying the brakes.

What to Do About Malfunctioning Brakes

When it comes to malfunctioning brakes, get them checked out by a qualified mechanic. Having brakes performing at their best is a must! It can be the difference between life and death.

At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza service center, the health of your vehicle is our top priority. If you’re having brake issues, our GM certified expert technicians will perform a brake inspection to determine the cause. We make it our business to keep you safe on the road. Schedule an appointment today!

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Hard to believe but Old Man Winter will be rearing his blustery head before too long! Is your vehicle ready?

Winters here in the East can be brutal so it’s best to be proactive and get ready for all that the season throws at us.

Here are our suggestions for preparing your vehicle for the cold months ahead.

Protect the Exterior
If you haven’t cleaned away summer’s buildup, now’s the time for a clean slate. Then apply a good quality car wax to help protect against winter’s oncoming assaults, not to mention road salt.

Oil Change
If it makes sense for your vehicle, consider switching to a synthetic oil. For winter temperatures, it’s easier on your engine because it flows freer at lower temperatures.

There’s also the added advantage that the vehicle won’t need any time to warm up. If switching to a synthetic isn’t right for your car, you may consider a synthetic blend.

These oils are mixed with naturally occurring car oil. Whatever you do, check with your mechanic or your vehicle manufacturer to get the right recommendation.

Battery Maintenance

There’s no doubt about it, summer takes its toll on your car battery. When the first really cold morning hits, that’s when you may find its weakness. The car won’t start because of a dead battery.

We recommend testing your battery and your charging system. Go ahead and replace it if it’s weak. You’ll be glad you did on a cold, wintry morning.

A fresh battery is your best defense against Old Man Winter.

Visibility

We’ve written before about the under rated importance of good windshield wipers. But, we’ll say it again. 

Check those wiper blades and replace, if needed. There’s no need to court an accident because you can’t see!

Be sure to fill your windshield washer well with deicing fluid as well. It’s another added precaution for safe visibility on the road.

Tires

Inspect them! You’re going to need good traction when snow and ice hit. If the treads don’t have enough depth, don’t risk it! Get another set.

Depending on the area in which you live, it may be wise to invest in snow tires. Remember, for every 10-degree drop in your tires air pressure, it’s estimated that tire pressure reduces by one pound.

Under inflated tires are a bad investment because they wear out faster, decrease fuel economy, and they can impair traction and handling.

Keeping your tires at the right inflation makes good dollars and sense.

Antifreeze

Get an anti-freeze tester to measure the strength of your anti-freeze. Or, simply take your car to your mechanic.

This valuable test will tell you the lowest ambient temperature to which your vehicle is protected from freezing temperatures.

Additionally, what’s your coolant reservoir level look like? Make sure it’s properly filled.

Fuel Injectors

Cold weather can cause performance issues with your vehicle’s fuel system. Cleaning those injectors will prevent some problems.

Add the cleaner to the gas tank during a routine fill up. If you’ve had problems with poor power, rough idling and hard starts, this will help!

Lock De-Icers

Inexpensive and a lifesaver, lock de-icers help to thaw and lubricate door locks while preventing damage.

Radiator Cap and Thermostat

A leaking radiator cap can cause your engine to overheat and anti-freeze to leak. Not good for winter driving!

Take a quick look at this inexpensive but important car part. If it’s several years old, replace it. It will be the best $5 you’ve spent for a little peace of mind.

Also inexpensive is the thermostat. Yet, it’s vital to maintaining your vehicle’s heating and cooling system.

If coolant hasn’t been changed regularly, corrosion can set in, and that can cause your thermostat to fail.

Put the odds on your side and replace the thermostat. Winter is hard enough. Might as well make sure you’ve got a warm interior throughout the season!

Turn to the service department at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza for all your car maintenance and repairs. Our certified Chevy technicians are trained to work on all kinds of cars, trucks, and SUV’s. We do it every day!

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Whether you’re shopping new cars for sale in Harrisonburg,VA every year or you hold out until the last sputter, it pays to be an informed car buyer. And you know what?

Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we love informed buyers! Having all the information up front makes the transaction quicker, easier, and smoother for both parties.

That’s why we put together 7 points to consider for new car buying. We hope it helps you to become a more informed!

Know What You Like and Dislike About Your Current Vehicle

We love it when buyers come and tell us everything they loved and hated about their current vehicle. It means they’ve given careful consideration to what they want in their next car, truck, or SUV.

And that’s important for both buyer and dealer. The clearer you can be on what you want, the easier it is for us to help you get what you want.

Here are some questions that help us get clear on what you’re looking for:

• Do you want the same kind of vehicle you currently have? Or have your needs changed?
• If so, what kind of vehicle would fit your lifestyle now?
• Is fuel economy an important consideration?
• Do you want the latest technology on your new vehicle?

You can probably add a few more questions to the list!

Know the Current Value of Your Vehicle

That’s a critical piece in the car buying world because it affects how much money you’ll need for the transaction. If you own your vehicle free and clear, it has value. What is it?

Knowing that will help you if you’re looking to trade it in. Or, if you have not finished paying off your current car loan, you’ll need to subtract that amount from your vehicle’s current value.

Do you owe more than the vehicle is worth? If so, you’ll need to figure that amount into the cost of your next vehicle.

The best way to determine the value of your current car is to go to the Kelley Blue Book site. Look up both the trade-in value and the Kelley Blue Book Private Party Value. Both will be helpful in negotiating for your new vehicle.

Determine Your Monthly Payment

There are two pieces to this part of the transaction. Determine your down payment and your monthly payment. Knowing the trade-in value for your current car is helpful here!

Get Pre-Qualified and Inquire About Financing

It’s important to know what you can afford to buy before you begin your search. You can get pre-qualified right on our website.

You can also get dealer financing with us. Our rates are as competitive as any of the banks in Harrisonburg, VA. Plus, because there is no third party involved, the time it takes to go through the paperwork is quick.

However, if you would like to finance through your own bank, we can do it, too! Joe Bowman Chevy has an excellent reputation with local lenders.

Just understand that it will take a little longer because both your bank and our dealership have paperwork to complete.

Know the Fair Price Range of the Vehicle You Want to Buy

If you’ve been doing some car shopping on our website, you already know that our new car pricing comes in under the MSRP.

For used car buying, our vehicles are generally priced below the Kelley Blue Book value. Even so, each person needs to do their own homework and feel good about the price the dealership is offering.

We encourage you to do the same! We feel confident you’ll appreciate the care we’ve taken to treat each transaction fairly.

From Shopper to Buyer

It’s important to feel confident when you’re shopping for a new car. Make sure you have the following information and you’ll shop from a place of strength:

• The value of your current car
• The equity in your car
• The monthly budget for your new car
• The cash/equity for a down payment
• Gotten pre-qualified for a car loan

Online and In-Person Contact

Today, there are two ways to work with us. Many people start out by contacting us online. Either they have a specific vehicle they want to test drive, or they want to discuss negotiations.

Sometimes, almost the entire transaction is performed online and by phone.

The other way is to come into the dealership and discuss with a salesperson what you want. We will work with you from there.

It all depends on you!

As an informed car buyer, you should be able to negotiate easily with the dealer. You’ve got all the facts in place about your current car, what you want from your new vehicle, financing, and so on.

Because of your preparedness, new car buying will be a snap!

Learn more about the Joe Bowman dealership. Stop by and visit us or check us out online.

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You know, it’s really not a matter of which is the better investment. When you buy a Joe Bowman Chevy truck, you already know you’re buying quality.

Really, the better question to ask is, “How are you going to use that truck?” As a Harrisonburg car dealer here in the Shenandoah Valley, we know that trucks get used for so many of life’s adventures.

From the fun ones like camping, to the more mundane like hauling wood, trash, or to help a relative move. Trucks are versatile. That’s why people love them!

You already know you’re going to use the heck out of it! The value is already there. Instead, the choice really comes down to expense.

Let’s take a look at some of the pros of buying both.

Pros of Buying A New Chevy Truck

Two of the major advantages of buying a new Joe Bowman truck is that you get an extended warranty which covers all sorts of issues and damage.

Extended Warranty: If you know your truck is going to go full out every day, then this can give you tremendous peace of mind. It will also help to save money on any damage or repairs needed.

Truck’s History is Known: This is one big reason people choose to buy a new truck. They like knowing the vehicle has no history. With a used truck, there is always the possibility of some undiscovered issue.

That’s why some new truck buyers just feel more confident buying a vehicle with no history; they feel more in control.

Additionally, there is the argument that while buying a new Chevy truck is more money upfront, it makes up for that cost with the maintenance you have with a pre-owned truck.

Still, buying a used truck is a good value. So, let’s take a look at why that choice may be right for you.

Pros of Buying a Used Chevy Truck

If you’re just starting out or simply don’t want the extra expense of a brand new truck, used is the way to go.

Much Cheaper: Depreciation on a new truck happens in the first few years. You can buy a good quality Chevy truck and skip paying for the depreciation.

Lightly Used Trucks are Almost as Good as New: A late model Chevy that has had light use is an excellent buy!

Less Risk: With the technology that’s available today, a vehicle’s history can be easily found. Carfax is a well-respected company that provides vehicle histories.

What’s more, Joe Bowman used trucks all have warranties, either 30 or 90 days, depending on the mileage.

In fact, every used car, truck, or SUV we sell has a limited warranty. And, every vehicle that arrives at our dealership must pass a 75-point inspection or it is not for sale.

As far as humanly possible, we make sure the vehicles we sell are in excellent condition. Otherwise, they don’t get a place on our car lot.

Your Best Truck Choice

As you can see, it’s not a simple question to answer. It all comes down to lifestyle and financial preference. But either way, you come out a winner!

Whether it’s a new Chevy truck or a used one, you have to decide which is the better investment for you. No matter what you choose, you’ve made a quality investment.

If you’re looking for a new or used truck here in Harrisonburg, VA, stop by and see us. Or shop online. Joe Bowman Auto Plaza is here to help you find the truck that fits your lifestyle and budget!

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Whether it’s a newer car or one you’ve had for a while, when an engine sputters, it’s scary! But what causes an engine to malfunction like that?

Setting aside a sputtering engine due to lack of fuel, there are several causes, all of which are telling you that there is a deeper problem to be addressed.

Here are three:

• A blocked fuel injector
• Incomplete combustion in the engine
• If the gas gauge is full but the engine sputters

The root cause of a malfunctioning engine can be located in several different systems. Two of the most common are the exhaust and the fuel systems. Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes of engine sputtering:

Exhaust Manifold Leak

When the exhaust manifold has a leak, it can cause the car to run unevenly or to sputter. It can also cause the check engine light to come in.

You may also hear increased engine noise with the engine performing poorly. A leaking or cracked manifold is a potentially dangerous driving condition!

Gases that have escaped can melt plastic components, and exhaust fumes can find their way into the cabin. It’s best to get it repaired quickly.

Failing Catalytic Converter

Smelling rotten eggs? Engine running rough or sputtering? Check your catalytic converter. When it starts to fail, it can burn off the hydrocarbons in the exhaust. Plus, it can’t break down the sulfur produced by the engine. Hence, the rotten egg smell.

Get it replaced quickly because eventually the converter won’t function at all.

Malfunctioning Oxygen Sensors

A failing or dirty oxygen sensor will place too much or too little fuel into your engine. That’s what causes it to malfunction. Check these sensors on a regular basis and replace as needed to avoid this.

Vacuum Leak

When there’s a leak in this system, you’ll experience sputtering or a rough engine. If the problem isn’t corrected, your car will hesitate or stall upon acceleration.

Worn Gaskets or Seals

Seals and gaskets have to be replaced periodically. Failing to do so will cause the engine to run rough and to sputter. Check these regularly! Failing to replace them can cause damage to the exhaust manifold and that’s an expensive repair.

Fuel Injectors are Dirty

Over time, fuel injectors clog up causing slow acceleration and engine sputtering. If you catch the clogged injectors soon enough, they can be cleaned. If not, they will need to be replaced.

Dirty Mass Airflow Sensor

When this device malfunctions, it sends the wrong information to the computer, resulting in a sputtering engine or rough running.

Dirty/Bad Spark Plugs

Dirty or bad spark plugs won’t cleanly ignite the fuel causing the vehicle to misfire or sputter. You’ll either need to replace or have them cleaned.

Because engine sputtering is a symptom of something more serious, it’s important to rely on an experienced mechanic to diagnose and repair the problem.

Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, when your vehicle exhibits those symptoms, our certified technicians will inspect your vehicle’s fuel and exhaust systems. We’ll check the exhaust seals and gaskets, the exhaust manifold, airflow and oxygen sensors, and more.

Get an experienced GM certified service expert on your side! The Joe Bowman Auto Plaza service department is locally known for its honesty, integrity, and knowledge.

We’ll help to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Schedule an appointment today!

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It’s sleek, has all the gadgets and safety features you could want, and you’re loving the projected fuel economy. Now that you’re ready to buy a new car, getting the best new car loan rates here in Harrisonburg is a top priority.

And it should be! Your interest rate determines how much you will pay for your new vehicle over the life of the loan.

So, it’s no wonder that new car buyers have all kinds of questions about financing! That’s why we rounded up 3 of the most commonly asked questions about financing a new car.

We hope it helps you confidently make the right loan decision.

“What is a good new car loan rate?”

Much of your financing rate depends on your credit score. Lenders look at this as a reference point for determining what to charge you for your auto loan.

Why is your credit score so important? Because it paints a picture of you as a person. It says how creditworthy you are. And that’s what lenders are looking for, a return on their investment.

If your credit score is low, you’re charged a higher interest rate. If your score is higher, then the charge is lower.

According to www.carsdirect.com, here’s a snapshot of how your credit score affects how much you’ll pay for your auto loan.

• 850 – 740: Excellent – 3.2% interest rate (on average)
• 739 – 680: Average – 4.5% interest rate (on average)
• 680 and below: Sub-Prime credit score – 6.5 – 12.9% interest rate (on average) 

As you can see, to get the best interest rate for your new vehicle you want your score to be in the 740-850 range.

To get a new car loan with a very attractive rate, a credit score of at least 713 is needed. However, nearly 20% of car loan borrowers have credit scores below 600. That’s according to Experian.

Protect your credit with your financial life! Check it online. 

Every US consumer is allowed by law to receive one free credit report every 12 months from the three major credit report companies, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Take advantage of it!

In fact, do it before you start your Harrisonburg new car buying process!

“Who has the better rate, car dealers or banks?”

Both! It’s simply a matter of choice. Joe Bowman new car loan rates are very competitive. We have a vast network of lenders we work with, so we can easily compete with local banks.

The difference with dealer financing is that there is no “middle man.” We do all the work in house, acting on your behalf to find the best rate and terms possible.

If you choose to use your own bank, that’s fine, too. We have an excellent relationship with our local Harrisonburg banks. The loan simply takes longer to process because your bank has required paperwork and so do we.

But the bottom line is this. You can get a competitive rate with either our dealership or your bank. The question is how fast do you want to take ownership of your new car?

The best new car auto loan rates are also determined by your down payment. A large or sufficient down payment such as 20% signals to your lender that your loan default risk is low.

“How do I get 0% APR on my new car loan?”

First, you need to know that 0% APR car loans are usually only offered by auto manufacturers. Banks and credit unions don’t participate in these promotions.

You’ll want to go to car manufacturers’ websites and look through their current promotions. Usually, these types of loans are offered on particular models and under certain conditions. For example, the manufacturer needs to reduce inventory.

If the manufacturer has the vehicle you want, you’ll need to make sure your credit score is in tip top shape. As we stated above, to qualify for a zero interest loan, typically credit scores must be 700 or higher.

If your credit score is higher than that,740-850, you’ll most likely have a good shot at getting this type of loan.

One caveat about 0% interest rates. If you have to pay a higher price for the vehicle to get the 0% financing, you may be better off going for a low interest car loan instead.

There’s a lot to consider when buying a new car, and financing is certainly at the top of the list. To find the best new car loan rates in Harrisonburg requires you to do a little homework.

However, here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, you really won’t have to do much auto rate shopping at all because we do it for you!

Stop in today to see our new and used car inventory. Then talk to us about financing. We’re happy to answer all your questions.

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In 2016, Apple CarPlay was introduced. And to say that consumers embraced it is like saying kids love cookies!

It’s no wonder. For the first time in history, consumers could connect their smartphones to their vehicle’s interface allowing call, text, music, and Siri integration.

With the National Safety Council reporting that cell phone use while driving causes 1.6 million car crashes each year, and close to 390,000 accident injuries per year from driving while texting, Apple CarPlay was a much-needed invention! 

How Can Apple CarPlay Make Driving Easier and Safer?

With Apple CarPlay, you won’t be taking your eyes off the road near as much-or as long-as you would if you didn’t have this vehicle-supported device.

All the driver has to do is plug in any iPhone 5 or higher and authorize its use with a thumbprint or a passcode.

Your phone will connect directly onto the car’s touch screen. There you will see all your familiar app icons. As an added safety feature, you cannot use CarPlay while driving; it remains locked.

Everything is controlled via the touchscreen. You use your vehicle’s own screen controls, or if you prefer, use Siri, which allows speech commands.

Which Chevy Vehicles Offer Apple CarPlay?

A lot of different car brands offer Apple’s latest innovation. Chevy certainly does, as of this writing, on these vehicles:

Bolt, Blazer, Colorado, Corvette, Camaro, Cruze, Impala, Equinox, Silverado, Malibu, Spark, Sonic, Suburban, Tahoe, Trax, Traverse, Volt.

What Functions and Apps Does CarPlay Support?

Use CarPlay for phoning, texting, and entertainment. For the phone, you can make and receive calls either on screen or through Siri.

Instead of trying to text and drive, now you can use Siri to send those texts and have your incoming messages read out loud to you. Much safer and more convenient!

With Apple CarPlay, safe entertainment is part of the package. You get these music and audio apps:

• Apple Music
• Audio Books
• Audible
• Audiobooks.com
• iHeartRadio
• CBS Radio
• iTunes
• MLB AtBat
• Pandora
• Overcast
• Podcasts
• Rdio
• Stitcher
• Spotify

Apps that Chevy designed are also supported.

What About Wifi?

Right now, CarPlay does not support wifi. Instead, it uses your phone’s data plan to connect to the internet, or your car’s own wifi, if it has it.

The great advantage to buying a new or used car, truck, or SUV is that vehicles have never been safer! Check out the video to see exactly how Apple CarPlay works.

Whether you’re looking to buy a new or new-to-you car or truck, Joe Bowman Auto Plaza can help! We’ll help you find just what you want without a lot of hassle. Get started today!

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So, you’re ready to buy a new or newer vehicle. The one you have is on its last legs and it’s time for it to go. We hear ya!

But before you start car browsing online or step foot on a dealer’s lot, do yourself a big favor. Test drive your auto financing first.

Because of the power of the internet, so more information is available to us. And when it comes to car shopping, that’s a good thing.

It means you can now be more prepared than ever before, eliminating surprises. That’s why prequalifying is so important. It gives you way more control over the buying process.

What Exactly is Prequalification?

Getting the thumbs up from a lender on car loan pre-qualification is a very good thing! It means the lender or financial institution knows you are a good candidate for a loan based on the information you submitted.

However, getting pre-qualified is NOT the same as qualifying for a loan. It’s the first important step but it does not commit the lender to give you a loan. Loan approval does commit the lender to give you the money.

Ways to Pre-Qualify Your Auto Financing

One of the quickest ways to check out your buying capability is to prequalify on our website. It’s a quick form that includes information like:

• Your down payment
• Loan terms
• Type of vehicle you’re interested in
• Whether you have a trade-in or not
• Employment info

From there, we take your information and begin the serious work of prequalifying you for an auto loan. That means we do a credit investigation and forward your application to financial institutions and lenders.

Once we’ve gathered the information, we confirm with you your financial pre-qualification.

The second way to get prequalified for auto financing is to go to your local lending institution. They will ask you many of the same questions that we do and follow much of the same process for getting you pre-qualified.

What’s the Difference Between Dealer Financing and Local Bank Financing?

The biggest difference between the two is time, your time. Our dealership interest rates are competitive with almost any local bank. We have some of the best auto rates in the area, often beating out the rates of local banks and credit unions.

What’s more, because our dealership has been around for 60+ years, we’ve got a sterling reputation with local banks. So, if you’re more comfortable with a local lender, we can most certainly work with them.

The only drawback is, as we said, time. With an outside party, it means the bank has to electronically send over their paperwork, we have to send over ours, and it all has to be approved. That takes time and slows down the process.

By working directly with us, you reduce the time it takes to get behind the wheel of your new vehicle!

And, if you need extended financing, say, for 6-7 years, we can do it. Most banks don’t have that option.

What If I Have Had Past Credit Problems?

Whether you’ve had bad credit or poor credit in the past, the point is, you’re ready to work to clean it up.

Joe Bowman offers a program called Second Chance Credit. We know that it’s hard to fix a poor credit score, but it isn’t impossible. Because some lenders will charge exorbitant car loan interest rates for those with a history of poor credit, you’re constantly paying on the interest and not the principal.

That makes it difficult to get ahead much less re-establish good credit!

If you’re making a sincere effort to clean up your credit, we want to give you every chance to succeed. Because we have a network of local lenders and large financial companies, we can shop around and find the best rate for you.

The rate will be higher, but it will NOT be outrageous. And it will allow you to rebuild your credit rating.

Preparation is Empowerment!

It’s true. Knowledge is power. The more educated you are on your options and how car buying works, the happier you’ll be with your overall purchasing experience.

Learn more about our Harrisonburg dealership. Stop by or check us out online. If you’ve got questions, call or stop by. We’re here to help!

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