Chevy Truck

It’s no secret that buying a pre-owned truck is a great value these days. Not only are they a money saver, but many used trucks have limited warranties. Truck shoppers can have peace of mind about their purchase.

Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we offer exactly that for both used cars and trucks. The warranty length depends on the age and number of miles on the vehicle. Plus, every vehicle that’s for sale on our lot must pass a 75-point inspection or we will not offer it for sale.

With so many used trucks for sale, you’d think pickup truck buyers would be jumping for joy. But, like every vehicle on the market, there are always certain problems you need to be watchful of.

We’ve outlined those truck problems here and how to avoid them.

Used as a Workhorse

Yes, trucks were made for ruggedness and durability. And, it’s hard to imagine any truck that hasn’t seen at least one off-road trail or helped a neighbor to move furniture. That’s what they were designed for. Still, buyers in search of a pre-owned truck are turned off by this.

Solution

If you’re really concerned that your potential new to you truck was used for heavy work, then research dependable models. Every new vehicle that comes on the market is rated according to capability, dependability, and longevity.

And that’s especially true of pickups. Take time to research that truck you’re eyeing and see if it’s worth your admiration. If it earned high marks when it was first released, it’s still worth your consideration.

Trucks are More Expensive Than Other Used Vehicles

New trucks are expensive to buy but the good news is that they tend to hold their value longer, too. That’s why they cost more at a used car dealership.

Solution

One of the biggest mistakes used truck buyers make when searching for a pickup is this: They adjust their budget rather than their “must-have” list. Maybe you can’t afford to buy the pickup you want right now, but what can you afford?

Take a look at your must-have list and re-adjust. For example, maybe you’re buying a truck for the body style but you don’t really need it for its utility. Switch to a more budget-friendly option instead.

Remember, trucks hold their value longer. Plus, choosing an older model truck, depending on the make and model, can be a good investment at a lower price. Just don’t buy more than you can afford!

Used on the Job and on Off-Road Trails

By their vary nature, pickup trucks are often used for rough, hardworking jobs. And they are more likely to be taken off-road onto trails. For some used truck buyers, this is a turn off.

Solution

If you’re really concerned by this, get a private inspection. Whether it’s an SUV or a truck, a vehicle used in this manner is more susceptible to mechanical issues and underbody problems. If you’re buying privately, get a third-party inspection before making the commitment to buy.

How We Handle These Truck Buying Challenges

At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, all of our vehicles undergo a rigorous inspection before they are placed for sale. If there is anything that is defective or broken, we replace or repair it. And, as mentioned, we have a limited warranty which also protects you.

However, if you’d like to have the truck inspected by your mechanic, we can also arrange it. The bottom line is we stand by what we sell, and we want you to be comfortable with your purchase.

The best way to ensure that your used pickup has been properly inspected and cared for is to buy through a reputable used car dealership. At Joe Bowman Chevrolet, we take every precaution to make sure that the vehicle we are selling is in tip top shape. It’s the only way we will offer it for sale.

Then we back up our careful examination of the vehicle with either a 30 or 90-day warranty. Check out our used truck inventory online, then come in for a test drive. There’s a reason we’ve been in business for 60 years!

Service Tech working on a car

So many car parts working together to get you where you want to go comfortably! One of those parts that silently works for you is the engine air filter.

This important and unassuming essential protects your engine by catching sand and other debris. If not checked regularly, your air filter will slowly and soundlessly malfunction causing problems with your vehicle.

Symptoms of A Poorly Working Air Filter

As the filter becomes dirtier and dirtier, air flow to the engine is restricted, which adds unnecessary strain on your engine. In short, a dirty air filter makes it hard for your engine to breathe.

What’s more, some dirt particles could get sucked up through the filter, scratching the cylinder walls and engine pistons. This can cause your engine to consume more oil.

Dirty air filters also cause the vehicle to start sluggishly. The entire emission control system is affected. In turn, spark plugs become gunked up which keeps them from sparking properly.

The actual symptoms of a dirty air filter are as follows:

• Lack of power on hard acceleration
• Lack of power at higher RPM’s (not always noticeable)
• Fuel efficiency is compromised-A little at first, then a lot!
• Ignition problems
• A visual inspection shows the filter to be dirty and/or full of debris
• Extreme cases, the “Check Engine” light may illuminate

Frequency of Replacing an Engine Air Filter

How frequently you replace an air filter depends on your driving habits. Someone who drives enormous amounts each month (think 15,000-20,000 miles) will replace their filter much more often.

Typically, though, your vehicle’s engine air filter should be replaced between 15,000-30,000 miles. If you don’t drive much at all, replace it at least every 3 years. Otherwise, the filter becomes brittle with age.

Worse, an old filter can tear, which will allow sand and dirt to enter the engine. So even if you don’t drive much, still get your air filter checked.

Replacing an air filter at your service shop isn’t expensive. And in most vehicles, it’s fairly easy. Better yet, it’s simply a matter of regular maintenance.

Abiding by a regular maintenance schedule will avoid many of the problems listed here. And perhaps that’s the point. Maintenance is the foundation to a long running vehicle.

The more care you give your vehicle, the more it will reward you with great performance.

Whether you need routine maintenance or car repairs, turn to our service department. With certified Chevy mechanics, our technicians are highly skilled and work with a variety of brand cars every day. Check our website to learn more about us.

Front End Alignment

Have you ever wondered what exactly is a front end alignment? If so, you’re not alone! Our service department finds that most car owners know they need to get a front end alignment from time to time. The problem is they don’t know why!

What is a Front End Alignment?

The process of a wheel alignment involves checking and adjusting the angles of the wheel relative to the vehicle’s frame or body.

First, the car is placed on an alignment rack with special sensors attached to each wheel. A computer uses the sensors to measure the angles of the wheels.

Your mechanic then compares the results to the specifications required by your particular vehicle. Based on those measurements, your mechanic will correct the wheel angles accordingly.

Why Should You Get Regular Wheel Alignments?

Nothing ever stays the same and that includes wheel angles. Bad weather, potholes, wearing of rubber bushings in the suspension, and sagging of springs are all reasons for regular front end alignments.

How Often Should You Get A Front End Alignment?

Most vehicles don’t have specific requirements. If you experience the car drifting to one side, that’s a sure sign of misalignment. However, when you buy new tires, you definitely want to get a front end alignment.

In short, getting a wheel alignment has tremendous benefits for your whole car. Take a look at how getting regular alignments save you money in the long haul and extend the life of your vehicle.

Smoother Driving

Wheel misalignment causes the driver to constantly adjust the steering to compensate. That’s not only tiring, it’s dangerous to you and to others on the road!

Increased Fuel Efficiency

When your wheels are out of alignment, the vehicle will pull to one side. That’s because the wheels aren’t working together the way they are supposed to causing your engine to work harder to propel you forward. In turn, that reduces fuel efficiency.

Improve Vehicle Safety

Proper wheel alignment helps to keep your car running better. All the parts work together instead of against one another. Ignoring the need for an alignment could eventually leave you at the side of the road with an unexpected repair issue.

Reduce Expensive Repairs

A bad alignment causes uneven and premature wear and tear on car parts.  That causes the systems to break down sooner. A complete breakdown means you’ll be faced with expensive auto repairs that otherwise could have been avoided.

Increase Tire Life

A poor front end alignment causes uneven wear and tear on your tires. And you may have noticed that tires are expensive! Tires that aren’t making an even impact on the road can cause other mechanical systems to take a harder hit. Save yourself money by getting a front end alignment and having your tires rotated regularly.

Bottom line: When your car works together the way it’s supposed to and is properly maintained, you’ll get more life out of your car.

Keep your vehicle in tip top shape with the certified Chevrolet mechanics at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. From maintenance to repairs, we care about keeping you safe on the road!

Stop in and see us or go to our site to learn more about us! 

Man on a car wash polishing car with a polish machine

Winter is hard on all of us and your vehicle is no exception! When spring arrives, we’re ready to get outside and enjoy Mother Nature.

That means making plans for road trips and sunny vacations. So, while spring and summer are gearing up, it’s time to banish Old Man Winter’s effect on your car.

These 7 routine seasonal maintenance tips are the cornerstone for ensuring your car’s continued smooth running performance. Best of all, you can easily do them yourself!

Check Coolant and Fluids

Avoid costly engine damage by making regular coolant checks. What better time to do that than spring? Coolant costs between $8-$12 per gallon, a small price to pay to preserve your engine, or at the very least, your radiator.

Nobody wants to be stranded on the side of a road during vacation because of engine trouble. Take a few minutes and check coolants!

Fluid Checks

Neglecting fluid checks can cause serious harm to your car. Make sure you check the brake fluid, transmission fluid, and oil. Replace as needed.

Wash and Wax

Surprised to see this one? Think about it. Winter is brutal with the onslaught of slush, snow and ice, and salt. Make sure you wash and clean the underside of your vehicle. If necessary, applying rust proofing can add an additional shield against harsh elements.

Change Windshield Wipers

From sleet to salt, the elements are hard on wipers. Replace them for optimal performance!

Battery Voltage Check

A battery load test will tell you the health of your battery. Quickly find out whether you need a new one or not.

Interior

You know those snowy boots you wore when you drove your car last winter? They most likely had salt chemicals mixed in with the snow. Because salt is so corrosive, consider renting a steam cleaner for less than $25 and rid yourself of winter’s damage.

Tire Maintenance

Check your tires! You want to make sure they remain in their recommended pressure range, typically, 30-32 psi. How are the treads? Make sure they have not worn down. If you didn’t use all season tires, then remove them.

These sound like such simple steps to take, and they are! When your vehicle needs more attention than these steps, stop in and see the staff at the Joe Bowman service repair shop. Learn more about us here.

Bad Gas Mileage

Nothing is more irritating than a vehicle that starts to get bad gas mileage. Instinctively, you know it means your car or truck isn’t running at peak efficiency. It also means you’re losing money!

But what causes the problem in the first place? Bad gas mileage actually has numerous causes. Here are the top offenders and what you should do about it.

Incorrect Tire Pressure

This is very common and it’s also the easiest to correct. Just check your tires periodically to make sure you have the recommended pressure levels. Usually, the manufacturer’s recommendation is stamped on the driver’s side doorplate. It is NOT the “maximum pressure” number that’s listed on the actual tire.

Spark Plugs

If spark plugs are misfiring or performing poorly, your gas mileage will be affected. Spark plugs are responsible for sparking engine combustion. They can’t do that if they aren’t working efficiently.

Bad Oxygen Sensors and/or Air Filters

Bad oxygen sensors and air filters can reduce gas mileage by as much as 20%! It’s a must to help keep oxygen sensors with a proper mix of air and fuel so they can perform optimally. Dirty air filters, clogged with sand and debris, simply need to be replaced so that the engine can perform at its peak.

Driving Habits

It’s true. If you’re an aggressive driver, you’ll use more fuel than you need to. And while it sounds super cool to rev your engine, you’re wasting gas going nowhere.

Bad Fuel Injectors

Fuel injectors are responsible for injecting fuel into the engine. Should there be a leak then less fuel gets to the engine causing poor gas mileage.

Air Conditioner

Air conditioning is necessary when it’s really hot. Just remember, that it also decreases gas mileage. When possible, open your windows.

Motor Oil

The type of motor oil you use can affect your gas mileage by as much as 12%. Use car oils that are high in friction reduction. Choose either a synthetic or what your owner’s manual recommends.

Idling

In the winter, you don’t really need to let your car idle to warm it up. All it really needs is 30 seconds. Still, because it’s cold, you may want to warm up the vehicle for you! Getting into a warm vehicle is always preferable to getting into a cold one.

However, when you’re waiting for someone, either turn off your car or put it in neutral. This will save gas and help the environment!

When you need help getting your car or truck to run efficiently, turn to the service pros at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza! Check out our website to learn more about us.

Driver's hands on steering wheel of a car

You know why your car breaks down, but do you know what makes it last longer? Regular oil changes, tire rotation, and front end alignments top the list, of course. But have you ever considered that how you drive also affects the life expectancy of your vehicle?

Here are some common ways you can help lengthen the life of your car when you’re behind the wheel.

Rapid Starts

Rapid acceleration not only wastes gas, but it places excess strain on the drive train. Moderate acceleration prevents overheating, helps your engine, transmission, differentials, tires, and CV joints last longer.

Long Distance Driving

Short trips can really kill a car’s life span because they don’t allow the engine to fully heat to operating temperatures. Take some longer drives to keep the engine at its operating temperature longer. This helps to burn off deposits, reduce corrosion, and vaporize condensation. And that means a vehicle that lasts much longer!

Rolling Turns

Make sure you’re turning your car wheels when the vehicle is moving, even when making a 3-point turn or pulling out of a parking space. Turn the wheel while the vehicle is rolling, if it’s slightly. This will make it easier to turn the vehicle while reducing strain on the ball joints, tie rod ends, and power steering. Not to mention, reducing uneven wear on your tires.

Drive Regularly

Cars were made to be driven. Nothing kills a car quicker than letting it sit. Drive your vehicle at least once per week to keep the oil circulating, to maintain the battery charge and to prevent dry oil seals. Driving also reduces stress on the alternator/generator.

Avoid Bumps

If at all possible, avoid potholes, speed bumps, and rough patches of road. Avoid them or slow way down before you go over them. In doing so, you’ll help your shock absorbers, suspension and steering.

Engine Braking

If coasting isn’t enough to slow your vehicle, employ engine breaking to further slow your car before engaging the brakes. Especially on hills, engine braking reduces heat levels in your brakes. That keeps them more effective in case you do need to stop.

How you drive your car does affect the life of your vehicle. The other part, as we mentioned earlier, is regular maintenance. Mindful driving and regularly scheduled maintenance are the key to a long, happy ride with your vehicle!

For all your used car and new car needs, get acquainted with the Joe Bowman Auto plaza certified Chevrolet service department. Our highly skilled technicians are trained to work on all kinds of vehicles!

Learn more about us here.

Person driving a car

Making the smart decision to buy a previously owned vehicle instead of a new one has many benefits. Chiefly among them is that used cars don’t depreciate as much as new cars and trucks.

However, your new-to-you vehicle may not have every piece of technology you’d like for it to have. No worries. Adding new car tech to your ride is surprisingly affordable.

Here are a few that are now available:

Tire Pressure Monitors

Add bluetooth-enabled valve caps to your tires to continually monitor tire pressure. It will also let you know if you have a slow leak or if pressure is dropping. Data is sent wirelessly to an app on your phone.

Parking Sensors

Take the stress out of parking in a tight spot. Some of the most affordable parking sensor options are easy to install on your own. Using sound waves to detect when you’re about to ding somebody else’s car, it alerts you with a beeping sound. Just make sure that what you’re installing is compatible with your vehicle.

Heads-Up Displays

This device projects navigation onto the windshield as a transparent image. It displays upcoming turns, mileage, speed, engine warnings and more.

Rearview Camera

For new vehicles, rearview cameras are required. That’s because they are incredibly helpful in avoiding backing into or over what’s behind you.

The prices on these devices keep coming down. Right now, you can install one for well under $150. You can even get some with additional features such as night vision and cross-traffic alerts.

Smart Car Safety

These typically plug into your car’s diagnostics port under the steering wheel. With a monthly subscription fee, get roadside assistance for breakdowns, as well as automatic emergency response when the system detects you’ve been in an accident. Then relays your GPS location to the nearest 911 dispatch center.

Blind Spot Warnings

For those that do a lot of highway driving, this is a must! A recent addition to the aftermarket, they are pricier. Think $400 or so. Essentially, it’s a radar sensor installed below your license plate that contains an alert indicator inside your car.

It lets you know when a vehicle is in your blind spot and it alerts you when you’re backing out of a parking spot, but you can’t see vehicles driving by.

Dash Cameras

Great for recording beautiful scenic drives, dash cameras are also great for proving you weren’t at fault in an accident.

Jump Starters

Say goodbye to cumbersome jumper cables. Now you can jump start a dead or ailing battery with a powerful, small lithium -polymer battery. It also charges your other devices and serves as a flashlight. Most will fit in your glove box!

Joe Bowman Auto Plaza has both new and used cars and trucks. Check out all we have to offer on our website!

Car salesperson demonstrating new automobile to young woman

With the cost of new cars and trucks rising, consumers are turning more and more to pre-owned vehicles.

And that’s a good thing! Today’s market is strong for consumers, offering many choices with reliable and classy transportation options.

At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, many of our pre-owned vehicles are Carfax one owners.  Some of the Carfax vehicles have the balance of the manufacturer’s warranty.

Regardless, all have either 30 or 90 day warranties depending on the year and the mileage. What’s more, all of our vehicles must pass a 75-point inspection to be placed on the lot for sale.

As far as is humanly possible, we make sure the vehicle is safe and that all of the features are in 100% working order. With that in mind, take a look at the five questions most used car buyers ask.

Consumer Questions About Financing A Harrisonburg Used Car

When a customer is ready to buy a preowned Joe Bowman vehicle, invariably, there are questions.

• Will my interest rate be higher than if I bought a new car?
• What about the terms?
• Is it difficult to get financing for a used car?
• What if my used car or truck has high mileage?
• What if I’m in the process of repairing my credit?

Here are the answers to the most commonly asked for financing a previously owned vehicle.

Is There A Difference in Interest Rates for New vs Used Cars?

Usually. When buying a new car, manufacturers offer manufacturer-supported attractive financing on the latest models. These can be zero to 1% interest on the very newest vehicles.

Third party lenders also offer lower interest rates for brand new vehicles because it’s a lower risk to the financing company.

Does that mean used car buyers get gouged on auto financing? Quite the contrary. While no lending institution can offer 1% on a preowned vehicle, there are some terrific used car interest rates on the market!

Our finance department shops around to find you the lowest interest rate possible. And, in most cases, we can meet or beat the rate your local bank offers you. When you finance through us, you’ll get loan approval quicker with competitive interest rates and terms, allowing you to drive your new-to-you car home quicker.

If you choose to finance with your own bank, that’s fine, too. We do it all the time! The difference is it takes a little longer to move legal paperwork between two businesses. In the end, we want you to feel completely satisfied with your purchase. That’s important to us.

Is It Difficult To Get Financing for A Used Vehicle?

No. See above for interest rates for used car buyers. There are way more quality used cars and trucks on the road now than ever before. That means financing options have opened up as well.

What About Auto Financing for Vehicles with High Mileage?

Banks tend to shy away from vehicles with higher mileage, but we don’t. We know that high mileage doesn’t mean the vehicle will fail mechanically. If it’s been kept in good condition, it can run many more miles.

High mileage used vehicles are often an excellent choice for high school or college students or simply as a second back up family car!

That’s why we search our extensive financing network to find just the right lender so that you can get the vehicle that fits your lifestyle needs.

What If I’m in the Process of Repairing My Credit?

Yes, you can still buy a car with poor or bad credit! With our Second Chance program, we can help you buy a car without paying exorbitant interest, allowing you to re-build your credit.

Will your interest rate be higher? Most likely, but it will not be outrageous. We work with local lenders and large financial companies to find you the absolute lowest auto financing rate possible.

We want to help you re-establish good credit with payments that are affordable and allow you to build equity. Not sure what you can afford? Get pre-qualified here.

There you have it. The most often asked used car buying questions. Do you have other used car or used car financing questions we haven’t answered here? We’d love to answer them for you. Stop into see us, call (540.274.5321) chat, or message us via Facebook!

 

Car lot

So, you just got a great bargain on a preowned vehicle. Congrats! Now you want to make sure that your investment lasts and lasts. Depending on where you bought your vehicle, it may have a questionable or unknown service history.

If so, you’ll want to do some additional maintenance checks to help your vehicle last and last.

Besides thoroughly inspecting the vehicle before you buy it, what kind of maintenance should you do once you drive your car or truck home? Here’s what we recommend, especially if you aren’t buying from Joe Bowman Auto Plaza.

Change Your Oil and Oil Filter

Unless the oil is a gold color, you’d be wise to go ahead and change it. Start fresh. Reset your oil change interval to zero and you’re good to go. That way there’s no second guessing. And while you’re at it, change the oil filter, too. Keep protecting your engine!

Replace Brake Fluid

The most common brake fluids are glycol-based, absorbing water naturally. That’s why it’s important to remove moisture that contaminates the system.

Whether your car was driven a lot or housed in the garage for the better part of its life, brake fluids thicken with less ability to withstand heat and corrosion. The result? A significant drop in its boiling temperature. That means it could overheat in the calipers, compromising braking performance.

It’s best to get it changed because chances are your used car is running on old brake fluid. Replace brake fluid every 3 years to minimize fluid boil and harmful corrosion.

Flush Your Engine Coolant

To keep a car engine healthy and running well past the last bank payment, you’ve got to keep the engine cool. It’s vital to its longevity. Many cooling systems incorporate dissimilar metals causing the coolant to slowly turn into an electrolyte over time. And that causes expensive components to corrode.

Second hand car buyers should flush the cooling system right after it is purchased. Then replace coolant every 3 years. Additionally, while the cooling system is empty, change any suspect hoses, too. Besides heat regulation, fresh engine coolant replenishes rust inhibitors and lubricants.

This is one job that really should be done by a professional. Consider our Chevy certified service for this. Our mechanics are highly skilled at working on many different brands and models of cars and trucks.

Don’t Forget Your Filters

Air is vital to your engine’s combustion, so inspect the engine’s air filter regularly. A dirty air filter can compromise your engine’s performance. Check it and make sure it’s clean. If not, change it and make a fresh start!

Swap Out Your Battery Sooner Than Later

Check the battery’s manufacture date. If it’s in its fourth year, go ahead and replace it, especially if winter is on the horizon. You don’t want a dead battery in freezing conditions!

Change Transmission Fluid

Check the condition of your transmission fluid using the dipstick, if there is one. As a rule of thumb, change the fluid and filter about every 30,000 miles. For a used car with a manual, change it about every 50,000 miles.

Examine Tires Carefully

Check for even tire wear. Most car owners don’t know how long they’ve had their tires. Check the sidewalls and tread for dry cracking. Also check for mismatched tires. While safe, mismatched tires can cause a rumble on the highway. New tires can transform your ride.

When you buy a used car from Joe Bowman, you can eliminate many of these worries. All of our vehicles must pass a 75-point inspection before we will list them for sale. Plus, we back up our commitment to safety with either a 30 or 90-day warranty, depending on the year and mileage of the car.

Learn more at our website: https://www.joebowmanautoplaza.com

Changing a tire

Tire blowouts are scary. Our Chevrolet service department has replaced blown out tires from customers’ cars, and it isn’t a pretty site! And, as you can imagine, it’s not safe, either.

But what causes blowouts? Technically, it’s the sudden failure of a tire due to wear, defect, or most commonly, under inflation. That’s right. Most tire blowouts are caused by under inflation.

Tire under inflation causes the side of a tire to flex more which generates heat. It’s the heat that leads to the blowout. What’s important to understand is tires lose pressure over time. You can expect your tires to lose about a pound per inch every month.

PLUS, 1 pound per square inch for every 10 degree drop in temperature. Since most cars are inflated to around 45 pounds per square inch, it doesn’t take long for tires to become dangerously low on air.

Fortunately, newer cars have a tire pressure monitoring system. This is a warning light that flashes on the dash if your tires are low on air. For owners of older used cars, you have to remember to check tire pressure regularly because this system is not in place.

Why Your Tires are the Most Important Safety Feature

Here at our Chevrolet Harrisonburg dealership, our service department is constantly preaching tire maintenance. Why? Your tires are all that connect your 3,000 pound speeding metal and glass bullet to the pavement!

No matter what action you take, steering, swerving, braking, or accelerating, it’s your tires that translate action into a motion.

Modern cars have a ton of safety equipment that are designed to keep you from having an accident. Think anti-lock brakes, lane departure correction systems that steer a drifting car back into the correct lane, and stability control.

And yet, every single one of those systems relies on your tires and their grip on the road. If your tires aren’t working, you have no control.

Front End Alignments, Another Safety Precaution

If the front end is out of alignment, it can cause uneven tire wear. Combine that with lack of tire maintenance and you’ve got a disaster waiting to happen. Getting a regular front end alignment will keep the balance of your tires even.

The moral of the story is this. Always buy good quality tires, then take care of them! At least once each month, check the tread, pressure, and overall integrity of your tires.

Remember, tires are what keep you alive while driving. Don’t ignore them!

At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we sell quality tires for your vehicle. With our Tire Finder, you can make it quick and easy to get the right tires for your car. Then our Certified Chevy Service Technicians can get your tires and installed and balanced at your appointment.

Learn more about us. Visit us on the web: https://www.joebowmanautoplaza.com