Whether you buy a brand new car right off the lot or you buy a good quality used car, it’s a good idea to include detailing clay as part of your exterior maintenance.

One of the most innovative and effective DIY products on the market, detailing clay is still overlooked by car enthusiasts and detailers alike.

Invented in 1980 in Japan, this essential maintenance tool is a paint cleaning system that safely and effectively removes surface contaminants that have bonded to the vehicle.

You know the stuff we’re talking about. It stays put even after you wash the car! And it’s highly aggravating.

We know that the claying process sounds kind of strange, but it’s really very effective. Best of all, it’s quick, easy, and very safe. But does your car need it? Read on to learn more.

Should You Clay Your Car?

If you just bought a new car, you might not think you need detailing clay. However, it’s really not about age because contamination is constantly occurring.

Your new car has already been subjected to several environments before it reached your home:

• The factory
• Sitting on a lot waiting for truck, ship, or train transport
• The transport itself
• The dealer’s lot

The good news is you probably don’t need a lot of detailing clay, but to protect your investment, it’s a very good idea to give it the once over. But don’t take our word for it. Take the test!

Here’s the Surface Contamination Test

Surface contamination that can leave your paint feeling rough also makes the paint prone to oxidation as well as premature aging.

Here are the main offenders of bonded surface contamination:

• Industrial pollution
• Road grime
• Bug splatter
• Paint overspray
• Pollen
• Rail dust
• Brake dust
• Tree sap and tar
• Other airborne contaminants looking for a home on your vehicle

To be sure that your vehicle needs detailing clay, here’s what you do.

• Wash the car-You want the surface nice and clean.

• Run the back of your hand along the car’s surface to find obvious contamination. Sometimes, you can feel the bonded gunk right away.

• If you don’t feel anything, take a plastic baggie and slide it over your hand. Then run the bag over the area that you just felt using your bare hand.

Feel a difference? That’s because the plastic bag amps up the surface contamination of your vehicle.

Even if you don’t feel a lot of contamination, it’s still a good idea to remove it. You don’t want that stuff damaging your paint.

How Clay Detailing Works

As you already know, you can’t wash or polish off bonded contamination. The stuff just won’t budge!

Using a clay lubricant removes the bonded material but it doesn’t stick to the paint! And yes, it is abrasive, but it won’t harm the paint because it’s abrasive only to the contamination.

For detailing clay to work, you will need a detail spray or a clay lubricant. Some more well-known brands are: Blackfire Clay lubricant, Pinnacle Clay lubricant, and Meguiar’s M34 Final inspection.

Any of these products will help the clay to glide across the paint. Remember to keep the surface and the clay well-lubricated with the detailing clay lubricant.

Pointers for Clay Detailing

• Work in a shaded area. You want the surface of your vehicle to be as cool as possible. A warm or hot surface will make the clay stick to the paint. Effectiveness is reduced.

• Wash and thoroughly dry your vehicle.

• Cut the clay in quarters or halves. Press it into a round, flat wafer.

• Spray detail clay lubricant on an area approximately 2′ x 2.’

• Use light pressure so that the clay glides along the surface. (It might grab at first.)

• Wipe the clay off with a quality microfiber towel.

The area should feel smooth and slick. Continue this process over the entire car. Once you’ve finished, you’re now ready to wax.

Waxing will help remove swirl marks, scratches, and oxidation, and that means your vehicle’s paint will last much longer. And it will look great!

Looking for a new or quality used car, truck, or SUV? Stop by Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. Or, visit us online. We’ll help you find the vehicle that suits your lifestyle!

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Do you know the #1 cause of swirl marks on autos? Is it really necessary to clay your new vehicle? Knowing the answer to these two questions puts you two giant steps ahead of everyone else who just bought a vehicle!

After all, you want to preserve the life of your new car, truck, or SUV. So, find out how to wash, polish, and care for it. We show you how.

Car Washing is the #1 Cause of Swirl Marks

It’s true. The car washing procedure is the number one cause of those ghastly swirl marks! So how can you avoid them?

Avoid automatic car washes! First of all, they often use equipment that has become damaged from washing so many cars every day and not repaired or replaced.

Secondly, it’s not unusual for car washes to use cheap products that can cause paint damage. Not only that, dirty cars leave behind dirt particles that remain on the brush or cloth. Those particles are transferred to the next vehicle in line.

That’s why we recommend hand washing. You control both the ingredients used as well as the performance of the job. Always use a high quality car wash shampoo, a wash mitt, and microfiber drying towels.

A car mitt is an excellent way to protect the vehicle’s paint by collecting particle grime and dirt by trapping them in the mitt’s fibers.

It’s the best way to ensure that the paint is not scratched, leaving behind those telltale scratchy swirl marks!

Next, have two buckets ready. You want one for applying the car wash solution and one to rinse. (Get rid of those particles you just trapped in your mitt!)

Should You Clay Your New Vehicle?

A clay bar is a mix of engineered resin mixture used by auto detailers. It removes pollutants and contaminants from your vehicle’s paint, fiberglass, metal, and glass.

It’s an excellent way to clean your paint by removing gunk that has bonded to your car. The problem is most new car owners don’t think they need to clay their new purchase.

Think again! Your car might be new, but it’s been subjected to many environments, from the factory, to transportation by tractor trailer, ship, or train, and finally, to the dealer’s lot where it sits until someone buys it.

If I Clay My Car, Do I need to Polish It, Too?

Claying is the preparation step before polishing. It ensures that surface contaminants have been removed. There should not be a lot of buildup on your new purchase, but removing those contaminants now makes future washings that much easier.

Polishing your car not only makes your car shine but it also removes etching, swirls, oxidation, and scratches.

Protect Your Car from Premature Aging

Mother Nature’s elements are hard on people and vehicles! We wear sunglasses and sunscreen. But vehicles? They rely on us to protect them harsh environmental elements.

Many new car owners think that the clearcoat is a protective layer that will shield the vehicle from environmental harm. That’s not really true.

Clearcoat is a tough clear paint. That much is true. But it’s there to protect the vehicle’s color coat and add more shine. It’s really not a super high tech protectant. It’s a clear paint that needs protection, too.

For paint protection, look to car waxes, paint sealants, and paint protectants. Each protects against premature car aging caused by oxidation. Some are better than others. So do check the reputation before buying.

In Between Car Washings-How to Maintain

Consider using a quick detail spray. These are special waterless formulations that evaporate quickly to prevent spotting, as well as lubricate to prevent scratching. They also contain gloss enhancers to refresh your waxed shine.

For those that love autos, a quick detailer is a necessity that saves time and keep’s your car’s finish looking great!

If you’re looking for a new or used vehicle in the Harrisonburg, VA area, stop by Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. Or, visit us online.

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August is typically one of the hottest summer months. It’s a great time to hit the beach or the cool air of the mountains.

Since your car can’t sit inside air conditioning or take a swim in a pool to cool off, it’s important to know how to lessen the stress of summer heat. So, what can you do to prepare your vehicle?

Besides getting your vehicle regularly serviced, we’ve got 7 practical tips to keep you and your car safe on the road.

Coolant System

A well-functioning coolant system is critical to its overall summer health. Check the coolant level periodically, but also, take it a step further and inspect the hoses and coolant reservoir.

You want to keep an eye out for leaks. Check the joints and connection points. Be sure to squeeze the hoses every now and then to be sure they feel firm, not unusually squishy or soft. Obviously, do this when the car has cooled off!

Windshield Wipers

Summer weather means rain. Worn wipers create water streaks across the windshield, which can impair driving. Check and replace as needed.

Engine Belts

There is a serpentine belt that runs between the fan, alternator, and other components. That engine belt can become loose, start to squeal, or worse, break for no apparent reason.

Check engine belts to make sure they have the right amount of tension. If you see cracks or small pieces missing, it’s replacement time!

Air Conditioning

A summer essential, if your AC isn’t working properly, nobody’s happy. Same is true for your car, truck, or SUV. Older air conditioning systems can leak freon, so look for tell tail signs of freon where it shouldn’t be.

If you see ice on the compressor, that too, could point to low freon levels. It’s usually caused by moisture. Another sign of a faulty air conditioning unit is a clutch that won’t engage.

Normally, when you turn on the AC, you should hear the clutch engage. If that doesn’t happen, the unit probably needs freon.

The good news is there are plenty of leak sealing products on the market as well as refrigerant rechargers. You’ll find them at Wal-Mart and hobbyist stores.

Air Filter

Now is a good time to give your air filter a good cleaning or replace it. Modern cars now also have cabin filtration systems and pollen filters. Be sure to check those, too.

Tires

Tire pressure should be checked year round for overall driving comfort, good performance, maintaining good gas mileage, and even tire wear.

Check for stray nails, stones, cracks, and uneven wear. And, of course, plenty of depth on the tread! Since summer is vacation time, it’s not a bad idea to carry a can of Fix-A-Flat, too.

Don’t Forget These Essential Fluids

Oil, power steering, brake, and windshield washer fluids. These all contribute to car’s overall health all year.

If brakes are lacking in bite or feel spongy, it may be time to get new pads. A system bleed may be in order, too. For this kind of maintenance, turn to Joe Bowman Auto Plaza’s service department.

Our technicians have all been certified by Chevrolet. They know how to work on all kinds of vehicles.

While not a necessity for a smooth running vehicle, keeping your vehicle clean is a mental lift. Get rid of built up grime and dirt. A good exterior cleaning preserves the paint as well as damage from insects and birds.

Last but certainly not least, preserve the interior of your car with a dashboard sunshade. That will help your vehicle stay a little cooler and keep the sun from beating down on the dashboard. Open the sun roof and crack the windows, too!

If you’re looking for exceptional car care, consider the service department at our Harrisonburg dealership. You can rely on our Chevy certified technicians. They are trained to know every inch of your vehicle, whether it’s a Chevy or not! Stop in today.

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Want a solid driving performance vehicle to meet the demands of your daily life? Welcome to the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox! Although the 2018 model was revamped, Chevy listened to its customers and made further alterations to the 2019 model.

So, what’s new and improved? You’ll find the Infotainment 3 system has a new touchscreen interface. That’s a huge improvement over the last system. What’s more, adaptive cruise control is now available as well as the new Lights and Brights package in the LT trim level.

That’s just for starters! We’ve outlined 10 more beautiful reasons to buy a brand new Chevrolet Equinox.

Engine Choices

Chevy gives you three engine option choices, each of which caters to what a driver might need most. For the 1.5-L4 4-cyclinder engine, you get 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. And this robust engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Not enough power for you? Consider upgrading to the 2.0-L turbocharged engine. It produces 252 hp as well as 260 lb-ft of torque. It’s also paired with a 1.6 diesel engine that boasts 137 hp and 240 lb-ft torque. The latter is the most efficient choice for fuel efficiency.

Superb Handling

The new 2019 Chevy Equinox excels in refined handling. Test it on a winding roadway and you’ll see, that for its class, it is well-balanced and will track on point. The handling of the Equinox is enjoyable and spunky, regardless of the road conditions. That makes the Equinox stiff competition for other vehicles in its class.

Swift VROOM

Effortless acceleration with its 2.0-L engine can go from full stop to 60 MPH in just 6.4 seconds. And that leaves a majority of its competitors in the dust! With the more fuel efficient diesel, it will take a few seconds longer to reach 60 MPH. So, if you’re looking for speed, consider the 2.0-L turbo.
Smooth Ride

Who doesn’t love a smooth riding vehicle? And that’s what you’ll get with the new Chevrolet Equinox. Imagine driving on a dirt road and not having it feel so bumpy. That’s the Chevy difference.

An incredibly smooth ride, the Equinox smooths out bumps and jagged areas on the road. And what a wonderful bonus that is!

Small Item Storage Areas

Chevy took to heart the saying, “Don’t sweat the small stuff!” You’ll find a number of small item storage spaces in the cabin that are well-designed. The cellphone trays have rubberized coverings designed to hold phones of any size securely in place.

Other pockets, bins, and trays are also sized adequately to accommodate the small things in life we tote around. And, they are strategically placed to maximize utility both for you, the driver, and your passengers.

Installing Child Safety Seats

While other vehicles in this class struggle to craft latches, tethers, and anchors for child safety seats, the 2019 Equinox doesn’t. Not only are the latches easy to locate, they are easy to use to secure the seat in place.

And because there is plenty of room in the rear of the vehicle, front and rear-facing seats are also easy to place and secure.

Natural Feeling Brakes

Like Goldilocks, you’ll find these brakes aren’t too firm, too squishy, or too soft! This compact SUV has brakes that feel natural. From 60 MPH to 0, the Equinox has a respectable panic stop distance of 115 feet. That means you can feel confident and secure in Chevrolet’s braking system!

Responsive Steering

When traveling at lower speeds, you need less effort. Conversely, you need more effort at higher speeds. With the Equinox. In both situations, you’ll find this vehicle has just the right amount of responsiveness, tracking on center, continuing to move forward. The only time it may not is when you hit one of those nasty rain grooves on the road.

Driver Aids are Well-Tuned

The driver assistance aids are well-tuned, responding to commands and perceived issues. The forward collision warning system is not overly touchy. Drivers don’t need to fear false alarms. The safety alert seat feature signals hazards to the driver in a far more effective way than the usual beeping and flashing lights of other systems.

Infotainment Center

The graphics on the touchscreen display are crystal clear and well-labeled. Plus, the menu set up is easy for you to follow and understand. While Android Auto and Smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay are standard, you’ll find both work extremely well.

And dare we say it? The navigation via Apple CarPlay is better than a vehicle’s built-in navigation.

If you’re looking to buy a new car, we think you’ll find a new Chevrolet Equinox that meets the challenges of your lifestyle. Find out for yourself. Check the Joe Bowman Auto Plaza website to view the latest Equinox models. Better yet, come in and take one for a test drive!

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Chevrolet had made some significant changes to the Silverado 1500 4WD for 2019. Buyers now have lots of choices like four engine options as well as a turbo diesel. With powerful V-8 engines and an expansive list of towing technology availability, you’ll find the Silverado is one of the most advanced pickups for trailering!

And while you get advanced utilitarian uses from the Silverado, you’ll also find it rivals some luxury cars with its upgradable features. Take a look at what it offers.

Towing Capacity is Excellent

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD has a 12,000-pound towing capacity. Because of its V-8 engine, it can handle towing chores with ease. You can also equip your new Silverado with advanced trailering technology, including trailer tire pressure monitoring, trailer theft notification, and tow/haul reminder.

Five Engine Options

Engine options have expanded this year! Chevrolet offers the standard 285 horsepower V6, turbo charged 4-cylinder engine with 310 hp, and two V-8’s with either 355 or 420 hp. Additionally, a turbo charged diesel engine is also available.

Advanced Safety Features

Standard on the 2019 Silverado WD is the Teen Driver safety system and a rear view camera mirror. You can also upgrade to even more advanced safety features such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking at low speeds, and lane departure warning.

Optional Trailering Technology

Consider equipping your new Silverado with a rear trailer camera. It can be mounted on the back of the trailer and offer you a good view from the rear. Additionally, the Silverado offers a Hitch Guidance through the rear view camera. You can easily zoom in on the trailer hitch, making hookup easier.

Benefits of the Rear View Camera Mirror

The rear view camera mirror assists the driver when hauling a large piece of cargo. Or, when the driver cannot see past the cargo in the rear view mirror. By using a camera mounted to the rear of the vehicle, the driver can see what is beyond the cargo by displaying the image on the rear view mirror.

Mobile Technology

The Silverado 1500 app has many benefits:

• Remote control of the vehicle
• Start and stop the engine
• Lock and unlock doors
• Offers trailering assistance and vehicle diagnosis
• Locate vehicle with parking reminder capability

Many Levels of Trim

With 8 levels of trim to choose from, you’ll find a variety of options to suit anyone! Trim levels start at the work truck and move up to the Custom and LT versions. Beyond the LT is the RST, LTZ, and High Country. With the LT and Custom trims, an upgrade to the Trail Boss off road trim level is available.

Custom Trim Level

Because the base model 2019 Silverado 1500 4WD is a work truck, it has almost no features. No doubt you’ll want to upgrade to the next trim level. Choose the Chevrolet Silverado Custom as the next level up. It has many nice amenities including a rear view camera, 7-inch touch screen, keyless entry, 6-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Drive Mode Selector

On select trims, the 2019 Silverado 1500 4WD offers a drive mode selector. You can choose 6 different drive modes, switching between sport, off-road, tow/haul, snow/ice, and terrain.

Interior Design

The interior design features vinyl, leather, or cloth seats. Depending on your cab style, it also has a variety of seating configurations. From the standard 40/20/40 front beach seat to the upgraded bucket seats, you’ll find plenty of leg room as well as head room.

If you’re looking for ruggedness combined with a page right out of the luxury car world, the 2019 Silverado 1500 4WD provides both. Nothing says you have to get the job done while compromising style and comfort!

Browse the Joe Bowman Silverado 1500 new car inventory online. Then stop in at our Harrisonburg, VA, dealership and take one for a test drive. Our sales consultants will help match up what you need and want for the perfect fit!

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It’s been 14 years since Chevy produced a Blazer, but now it’s back! And no, it’s not the truck-based Blazer that was made up until 2005. Nor is it the up-to-three-row Trail Blazer that spanned the intervening years.

Nope. This Chevy Blazer ranks somewhere between the Equinox and Traverse. But the real surprise is how more substantial the vehicle feels than the Equinox. Engineers did some pretty amazing work here isolating the new Blazer from road imperfections.

• An optional 21-inch wheel base
• Steering has weight
• Body control excellent
• Corners have little wallowing

And that translates to a very comfortable ride!

Two Powertrains to Choose From

The Blazer has two powertrains to choose from. One is a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder Ecotec engine with 193 hp and 188-pounds-feet of torque. And it’s all paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission which drives the front wheels. AWD is not an option with the 4-cylinder engine.

However, you’ll find that the 4-cylinder engine with its lighter weight and with the lack of AWD equipment, is a fine powertrain choice. With a nimble and sprightly feel, acceleration is brisk even when merging onto a highway.

With a 400-pound weight advantage over the V-6 model, you’re going to feel the smooth difference in its handling and ride.

Chevrolet’s other choice is the 3.6-liter “Generation ll High Feature” V-6. Also paired with a nine-speed automatic, it has 308 hp and 270 pounds-feet of torque. AWD is optional on the V-6, and it offers a more sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system on the Premier and RS models.

Chevrolet offers top versions of the Blazer, just like they do with their Cadillacs. Get luxury trim for the Premier or sporty trim for the RS.

Advantages of the -V6

Yes, the V-6 is heavier but it doesn’t cause the vehicle to feel slow or pokey. It’s just more solid, substantial. You’ll find acceleration is quick but doesn’t have a snappy torque curve. However, it does have a 4500-pound maximum towing capacity when it’s properly equipped.

Different Drive Modes to Choose From

Chevy offers different drive modes to choose from. You can disconnect the all-wheel drive system for a little better fuel efficiency. Sport mode changes the all-wheel torque distribution, but not the shift patterns in the transmission or the throttle response. When you’re in off-road mode, then the throttle response adjusts.

Utility Galore

The Blazer offers a hitch view angle on the backup camera which helps you hitch up to a trailer. There’s also an available sliding rear seat and cargo management system with a fence and rails.

Choose 4-Cylinder or V-6 Engine

Both engines use a 9-speed automatic transmission. A 2.5 liter four-cylinder has 193 hp, which is standard. The V-6 has a 3.6 liter with 305 hp optional. Also available is a twin clutch AWD system.

Car-Based Crossover Construction

That’s the one crucial difference from the Blazer of 14+ years ago. It’s not a truck-based re-invention. For the consumer, that means this version has a car-like ride with hardcore off-road and towing chops!

Room

You’ll be surprised at the amount of room inside the new Blazer. It’s plenty for four occupants. Second row seats slide forward and back which maximizes legroom or cargo room. Using remote latches in the cargo area, the rears seats will fold flat.

That’s Blazer, Not TrailBlazer

Don’t confuse the Blazer with the TrailBlazer. The latter is an SUV that is sold outside the US.

Ready to test drive a new Chevy Blazer? Who wouldn’t! Check out Joe Bowman Auto Plaza here in Harrisonburg, VA online or stop in to see us. You’ll find our sales consultants friendly and helpful.

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When it comes to buying a new vehicle, the consumer has no shortage of choices. There are plenty of new cars and trucks on the market to buy. The first question most people want to know is, “Who’s going to give me the most bang for my buck?”

Followed by, “We want a vehicle that’s eco-friendly, but how much is that going to cost me?” Consumers are concerned about the environment, but they are also concerned about what sacrifices they would have to make if they want more room, more power, and better fuel economy.

These are all valid concerns. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the advantages you have as a consumer when you buy a new Chevrolet.

Well, besides looking extremely good behind the wheel in our Harrisonburg, Virginia community!

1-Awards

New Chevrolets have been awarded numerous quality awards by J.D. Power. In 2013 alone, the brand received more Initial Quality awards than any other brand that year.

Additionally, Chevrolet works diligently to stay ahead of the curve of the fast moving world of technology. For example, Mylink technology connects your smartphone to your Chevy’s computer for navigation, communication, and entertainment.

But Chevrolet doesn’t compromise safety for technological advancement. The brand incorporates hands free, touch screen, and steering wheel mounted controls, so that your attention never strays from the road.

2-Reputation

Chevrolet is definitely not the new kid on the block. With a century of car-making under its belt, Chevy has maintained its longevity by continually making quality cars and trucks. The company wouldn’t be here 100 years later if it weren’t for its constant curiosity, innovation, and streamlining.

3-Planet-Friendly

Chevrolet was one of the first automakers to develop an all-electric car. That’s just one example of its commitment to keeping our planet cleaner.

4-Safety

Every new Chevy is built with a commitment to performance and safety. We’re proud to say that Chevrolet has more 5-star overall vehicle safety scores than either Toyota or Ford!

With advanced features like Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, rear vision cameras, the most advanced airbag systems on the market, side blind zone alerts, and rear cross traffic alerts, Chevy is for those who value safety as well as comfort.

5-Fuel Efficiency

Building our vehicles low to the ground and with more fuel efficient engines lets you spend your money on other more important things in life, not your gas tank.

6-Selection

Chevy has a new vehicle for every lifestyle preference. Whether it’s a compact, full-sized pickup, crossover, mid-sized sedans, or SUV’s. Joe Bowman Auto Plaza has the right vehicle for you!

7-Service Department

With our GM Certified Service experts, our technicians are trained to know every inch of your car, truck, or SUV. They can help keep your vehicle running like new! And when you buy a Chevy from Joe Bowman, you get first priority in scheduling over someone who has not purchased their vehicle from us.

8-Price

Chevrolet offers the latest technology in the working man’s price range! In fact, more Americans have owned a Chevy longer than any other make. So, drive that brand new vehicle to a steak dinner this weekend!

All in all, Chevrolet has demonstrated its innovation and its commitment to building solid, beautiful vehicles that go the distance. They are a company that will be here for another 100 years.

And just like the folks in Harrisonburg, the new line of Chevy vehicles at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza are built for work and play. Stop in and see us. Or shop our inventory online!

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At first blush, you might think there isn’t much difference between buying a pre-owned car and a used truck. Actually, there is!

Consider the many special uses that pickups have as well as the ever-growing number of styles and options. It’s easy to get lost with all the choices. And that’s the challenge, especially for first time used truck buyers!

In the excitement of buying a truck, it’s easy to forget all the options available to you. And that you need to have a very good idea of what you need the truck to do.

Here are 5 questions you need to ask before buying your used truck.

How much power do you need?

If you’re going to pull a 30-foot fully trailer, then you’ll probably need a one-ton truck. On the other hand, if you’ll carry light loads, a compact model is probably best.

How much will you be carrying?

If you’re pulling a trailer, you’ll need to know the total payload weight as well as the maximum trail weight.

2WD or 4WD?

Will you be driving on unpaved, muddy back roads or the city streets? For off-roading or slippery conditions, four-wheel drive is a good option here. Otherwise, two-wheel drive works nicely. A 2WD truck is cheaper to buy and easier on gas.

How many passengers will you carry?

Are you riding solo with your dog or will you be carrying your family or crew? That’s important to determine the type of seats that work best for you. Buckets seats for three, extended cabs have jump or bench seats, and a crew cab has a full second row of seats.

Long or short bed?

The type of cargo you’ll carry determines the bed length. Ranges for truck bed lengths are five feet (short) to six feet(standard) to eight feet (long).

Manual or automatic?

This is a personal choice because most trucks come with both manual and standard transmissions.

Financing Your Used Truck

When it comes to buying a used truck, the rules are pretty much the same as buying any other pre-owned vehicle. The big thing is always your credit.

Make sure you know your credit score before you begin the financial application. The higher your credit score, the better your chances are for getting a lower interest rate. You can estimate your here.

It’s also good to get pre-qualified and Joe Bowman Auto Plaza can help you with that, too. In fact, you can get a truck loan through our Harrisonburg dealership. And you may be surprised to know that the interest rates on our car and truck loans are as competitive as your local bank!

Plus, loan approval is generally quicker because everything is in-house. However, if you prefer to work with your own lender, we can accommodate you as well.

Recovering from Bad Credit?

Having bad credit doesn’t prevent you from buying a used truck. Here at the dealership, we have a program called 2nd Chance Credit. It helps people to re-establish their good credit with affordable payments that also build equity. 

If you’re ready to re-build your credit, we’re here to help!

When you’re ready to buy a quality pre-owned truck, stop in and talk with us. Or, browse our used truck inventory online. Then come see us!

We’ll work with you to get you into the pickup of your choice.

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If you own a truck, you need a toolbox! Whether you own a used truck or a brand new one, there are so many uses for one. Think about it.

Carrying tools in the back seat is not only annoying, but dirty tools will dirty up your truck. Throw them in the truck bed, you say? That’s a possibility but you’re exposing your good tools to the elements. And sadly, it’s not really safe.

What’s a Truck Toolbox Anyway?

Truck toolboxes are generally used to store tools. You install it in the back of your SUV or truck. Very handy, from farmers and construction workers to people who want to store hunting, fishing, and camping gear can use them.

And everyone can use a toolbox to store emergency items! Designed to fit perfectly in the bed of your truck or SUV, truck toolboxes are usually vehicle specific.

So, you’ll want to check to make sure the tool box you add fits before making the purchase.

What are They Made Of?

Most are made from steel or aluminum. However, plastic tool boxes are becoming increasingly popular because they are lighter and less costly to buy. Which should you choose?

If you need durability and longevity, opt for steel since it’s the most heavy duty. If your workload is lighter, aluminum is not only lightweight, it’s durable, too.

If you’re on a budget, plastic works for the short term. It is lighter but doesn’t have the durability of aluminum or steel, but it is less expensive.

Why You Should Consider a Truck Toolbox

One of the best reasons to consider purchasing a truck toolbox is to get better organized. You won’t have to search everywhere trying to find a specific tool. That makes it a great timesaver.

Toolboxes are also locked boxes, so concealing and storing valuable tools becomes more secure. You’ll also find truck toolboxes that have accessories like shelves and rolling drawers. That makes organization a snap. You’ll know exactly where you’ve stored each tool.

For large, unwieldy tools, opt for a single large compartment toolbox rather than one that is partitioned. What’s more, truck tool boxes are securely bolted to your truck. No one is going to make off with it!

Finally, tools are expensive. Made from metal, they are vulnerable to the elements. Storing them away from the damaging effects of Mother Nature extends their life.

Other Uses for Truck Tool Boxes

Even if you don’t hunt, fish, camp, or work for a construction company, toolboxes are extremely handy because they free up additional truck space. Here are some ideas to help you stay safe on the road and keep you organized using a tool box:

Basic Supplies

• Paper towels
• Cable ties
• Duct tape

Basic Tools

• Wrenches
• Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Mechanic’s tool set
• Hammers

Emergency Equipment

• Emergency flare
• Flashlight
• Jumper cables
• First aid kit

Winter Weather Equipment

• Ice scraper
• Tire Chains
• Emergency shovel
• Tow strap

And when you’re ready for a newer pre-owned truck, or you want to buy a new one, come see us at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. Learn more about us here.

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They take extremes in heat and cold, remove snow and rain, and sometimes even ice and dirt from your windshield. Plus, they may even have to operate in those hostile conditions for hours at a time.

And yet, windshield wipers are made out of thin, flexible rubber. That’s not exactly the kind of material that can take such abuse for long periods of time! So, while windshield wipers are one of the hardest working parts of your car, they are also one of the least durable.

It’s important to remember that when you say, “What! You mean I have to replace my wipers already?” Typically, wipers last between 6-12 months. Of course, you have to factor in weather conditions and what the blades are made of.

If you live in southern California where the climate is sunny and dry, your wiper blades should last longer. But if you never turn them on, the heat and lack of moisture can damage the blades. Extremely cold weather makes the blades stiff, so they easily fracture.

Causes of Rubber Deterioration

Common causes of wiper deterioration are directly related to Mother Nature and environmental factors:

• Car waxes and exhausts have rubber-deteriorating oil
• Ultraviolet light from the sun as well as ozone destruction
• Salt water and acid rain
• Sand, mud, and dust carried by the wind

All of these factors greatly affect how long your windshield wiper blades will last.

Wiper Blade Differences

Ordinary rubber blades have the shortest lifespan while halogen-hardened rubber blades will last a little longer. But the longest lasting blades are silicone, able to exceed a year of use even when it’s intense use.

The rub is they cost more, but sometimes you do get what you pay for!

How to Know When to Replace Your Windshield Wiper Blades

Wipers aren’t subtle about when they need to be replaced. They let you know in no uncertain terms because they aren’t making the proper contact with the windshield surface.

You’ll hear them squeak or chatter. Blades also show signs of age with these telltale signs:

• Skipping–caused when the blade develops a curvature from lack of use.
• Streaking –occurs when the squeegee dries, hardens, and cracks. Other causes are road tar and tree sap. Foreign substances that collect on the windshield or the blade cause wear and tear, too.
• Splitting-the sun’s UV rays break down the rubber and separate it from the frame.
• Wearing-Extensive use causes the rubber edges to round instead of remaining square.
• Bent Frames and Bent Refill Vertebra-These cause inconsistent contact with the windshield which causes skipping or streaking.

Inspecting Your Wiper Blades

As part of regular maintenance, include checking your wiper blades. Here’s what to look for:

• Metal corrosion-Look around the joints and claws especially.
• Flex the rubber-Flex the rubber squeegee back and forth to make sure it’s still flexible. Aged rubber won’t conform to the shape of your windshield which causes streaks.
• Check wiping edge-Check the squeegee wiping edge to see if the corners have become rounded. This can prevent the blades from making a strong contact with the windshield. In turn, that will reduce the wiping quality.
• Broken frame-Check for the detachment of frame arms at connection points and joints.
• Visible abnormalities-Look for tears, cracks, and missing pieces in the rubber’s edge.
• Tug on the blade-Tugging on the blade will ensure it’s been properly installed on the wiper arm.

A Couple of More Suggestions

Some simple ways to extend windshield wiper life is to clean your windshield every time you gas up your tank.

With a damp towel, gently wipe the blade to remove any oil or dirt. Don’t ever use your wipers to de-ice your windshield! Get an ice scraper or start your vehicle and let the defroster melt it.

During winter months, pull the wiper blades away from the glass to prevent ice build up and to keep the rubber from sticking to the windshield.

Remember, efficient windshield wipers are just as important as changing the oil and rotating tires. Give them some respect and inspect them regularly!

Joe Bowman Auto Plaza has GM-certified technicians that are trained to know every inch of your truck, SUV, or car. They are dedicated to extending the life of your vehicle!

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