Of course you want to get the most out of your tires. That only makes sense! But along with extending the life of your ride, you’re also ensuring the safety of your passengers. That’s why regular tire maintenance is so important.

The Biggest Reason for Consistent Tire Maintenance

Tires affect just about everything with your ride. From vehicle handling, braking, smooth riding, to safety. That’s because your tires are the only part of your vehicle that have direct contact with the road.

Constantly working, it’s critical to have the correct air pressure, balance, tread depth, and wheel alignment.

Signs of Tire Wear

Not caring for your tires can lead to premature wear, a flat, or a blowout. What’s more, wheel alignment and worn suspension parts directly affect tire wear and tire performance.

Here are some of the most common signs of tire problems:

Over inflation-Too much air pressure will cause the middle section of the tire to contact the road, creating more wear in the center and less wear on tire edges.

Under inflation-Here, the opposite is true. The tire’s outer edges get the most road contact, creating wear on the edges of the tread with less wear in the center.

Raised tread or sidewall-When a portion of the tread or sidewall is raised, it can indicate that one of the belts in the tire carcass has separated from the adjoining ones.

Wear on the edge of a tire-You’ll see this when the wheels are out of alignment.

Erratic wear-Often called cupping, it can mean that the wheel is out of balance. It can also mean that the suspension components or shock absorbers need to be replaced.

When you’re driving, listen to your car. If you feel an unusual vibration or thumping noise, it, too, can mean a tire is out-of-balance. The tread may have a flat spot due to a panic stop or it could be a tire with a separated belt.

If your vehicle is pulling to one side at a steady speed, it could mean the tires are either over or under inflated, or damaged. If a visual inspection shows that the tires are fine, it could be a brake problem or poor wheel alignment.

3 Biggies for Tire Maintenance

To keep your tires performing their best, get them rotated regularly. Front and rear tires perform differently, operating at different loads. This results in different steering and brake functions, which causes unequal wear patterns.

Tire Rotation

To get the maximum performance and life out of your tires, rotate them! Follow your owner’s manual’s recommendations for a suggested rotation schedule.

Tire Balancing

Tire balancing is essential to proper tire performance. It minimizes uneven tire wear and rewards you with longer tire life.

There are two times when you definitely need to have your tires balanced. First, when new tires are installed. Small weights are attached to the wheels. These weights limit tire and wheel vibration when they turn.

Secondly, whenever a tire is removed from the wheel due to a puncture, tires should be balanced.

Wheel Alignment

All vehicles have specific wheel alignment settings. If the alignment measurement falls outside of a certain range, then your tires can wear unevenly. You’ll also notice that vehicle handling and fuel economy are affected.

How can you know if your wheels are properly aligned? When you can drive your car down a straight stretch of road and it doesn’t drift or pull to either side.

That said, drifting or pulling can also be an indicator of other problems. Either way, the vehicle needs to be inspected.

Spend a few minutes every month to inspect the health and safety of your tires. It’s a proactive tip to protect your family, ensure good vehicle performance, and lengthen the life of your tires.

 At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza in Harrisonburg VA, we have a full-service maintenance and repair shop. Staffed with GM certified mechanics, these professionals are trained to handle the needs of all types of vehicles, not just GM.

If you’re looking for careful, attentive service at a fair price, call us today!

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Buying a new car, it’s exciting! And when that new car is a used car, there are steps to follow to make sure you’re protecting your wallet, as well as buying the right car for you.

One of the most important steps is the test drive. Obviously, you want to see how the car performs.

But before you get behind the wheel of your potential new car, you want to make sure you can afford the vehicle. Sounds simple, we know. But it’s easy to get caught up in new car fever!

So, get pre-approved financing first. Know what you can afford. Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we can help you with that. Or, you can talk to your bank or credit union.

Then run a vehicle history report to uncover any possible issues the vehicle may have had. Now that you’ve got those checked off your list, there are three must-do’s while you’re taking a test drive.

Examine the Interior

This one starts before the drive; do a walkaround. Circle the car to look for any lights that aren’t working, unusual noises, or funny exhaust smells. If you buy through Joe Bowman, taking a walkaround is simply reassurance for you. Our certified GM mechanics have already corrected any problems.

However, if you’re buying direct, then a walkaround of the vehicle is an excellent idea! You’ll also want to look at the paint. If it doesn’t match, that could be an indication of a collision. At our Harrisonburg dealership, we’ll have all that information for you.

Then turn on the car, and switch on the emergency flashers and headlights. Take a look-see under the hood. Check for fluids dripping. Check tire treads for wear or damage and to make sure that all the tires and wheels match.

If you have a child, bring your child seat with you for the test drive. (Although probably not a good idea to bring your child.) You want to make sure the car seat fits safely in the vehicle.

The same holds true if you have a dog. Bring the crate to make sure it’s a good fit.

Test the Interior Features

Try out all the systems in the car. Adjust the seas, mirrors, steering wheel, etc. Make sure everything is in good working order including the interior lights.

If you see any pulsing from dim to bright, that could be an indication of an electrical issue. Check dashboard lights, too. Turn on the radio, CD player, if there is one, and check to see how it loads and unloads, and performs.

How about your iPod or MP3 player? Plug them into the AUX jack and make sure they place nice with each other. You’ll also want to test out the heating and air conditioning systems.

Close all the windows and check for smells that come through the vents. You’re looking for signs of mold or mildew. How about those power windows and doors? Do they lock properly?

Test Drive

Now you’re ready to actually drive the car. Listen for any rattles or strange noises from the vehicle’s suspension. If at all possible, try to have a test drive that mirrors your own daily driving habit and environment.

Next up are the brakes. Do they operate smoothly or does the pedal vibrate? Worse, does the pedal go to the floor when you brake?

Check to make sure the wheels are properly aligned. Does the vehicle pull to the left or right when you brake? It should stop in a straight line easily or pull ever so slightly to the right, but never to the left.

Check the instrument panel. Are all the gauges working properly or do warning lights appear?

It’s a lot to look for when you’re driving a potential new car, but so worth it! You may even decide to take the preowned car to a good mechanic for a second opinion.

If you’re buying privately and the seller doesn’t want to let you submit the vehicle to an independent pre-purchase inspection, walk away.

Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, all of our vehicles are subject to a 75-point used car inspection checklist. Our certified GM mechanics comb the vehicle, addressing and correcting any issues, if there are any.

To the very best of our ability, we make sure the car, truck, or SUV is mechanically sound and that every feature works beautifully. Then we follow up that commitment to excellence and safety with either a 30-day or 90-day warranty, depending on the mileage and year of the vehicle.

If you’d like to learn more about us and what we have to offer, visit our website. Or, just come in to see us!

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It won’t be long before Old Man Winter makes his appearance, wreaking havoc on both humans and the outdoors, and that includes your vehicle.

You already know that regular maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your car running smoothly in plunging temperatures. But cold weather has some sneaky ways of tearing away at your vehicle that you may not have thought of.

Here are some critical winter car care tips to get your car ready and keep it ready all winter long!

1. Making Your Car into Compost

If you live in a place with lots of trees, take care to clear them from your car! Twigs, old leaves, and other organic matter can cause the exterior of your car to deteriorate.

The air plenum near the windshield is a classic example. Leaves, twigs, and debris love to gather there. Got a sun roof? Open it up and make sure that plant gunk hasn’t stopped up the drains, making wet headliners.

2. Look at Your Nethers

Today’s cars are equipped with more elaborate underbody panels as well as low hanging air dams. This is to help save on fuel consumption and improve aerodynamics.

However, driving over a snow drift can cause a problem by ripping off the entire panel and/or its mounting hardware.

That’s why it’s a good idea to take a good look at the underbody, starting at the front and working your way to the rear. Check for anything loose or flapping and pop it back into place.

You can even use duct tape or a zip tie!

3. Add A Survival Kit

Accidents increase during winter, so having emergency gear in your car or truck is an excellent idea. Store a space blanket, for example, somewhere in your vehicle, preferably the glove department.

It won’t do you any good to store it in the trunk if your car is upside down and you can’t get to the trunk. And that’s exactly the scenario you want to prepare for!

Space blankets can keep you warm while you’re waiting on help to arrive.

4. Wax the Lights

This little detail will work for you again and again during the winter season. Just clean your headlamps first. Then rub car wax on to the lens. Let it dry and buff off. Repeat.

If you’re feeling very industrious, do the tail lights too. The slippery surface on the lights will make it less likely for an “icicle” coat to build up when road slush refreezes and hits your lights. Plus, the wax will make removal easier, if a light coat does form.

5. Check Tire Pressure

Have you heard the old adage that in snowy conditions it’s best to let a little of the air out of your tires so that the tires grip more surface area?

That really only applies if the surface is incredibly soft, like foot deep unplowed snow. But for the mix of cleared road that includes ice, chemicals, and packed snow? Not so much. And that’s the scenario most of us deal with.

Cold weather causes tires to lose a pound of pressure for every 10 degree (Fahrenheit) drop. An under inflated tire simply won’t “bite” through snow to the pavement as well as one with the correct amount of pressure. And it’s dangerous! It’s similar to hydroplaning. Avoid it.

 For car care and maintenance, Joe Bowman Auto Plaza has certified Chevy mechanics that work on all kinds of vehicles. For service you can trust, visit our service department today!

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Your teen driver is dreaming of a Mazarati for their first car and you’re thinking more along the lines of a good 2nd hand used car. Ah, such is the life of a teenager!

Finding a used car that is reliable, dependable, and gets a thumbs up from your teen isn’t easy. Fortunately, Joe Bowman Auto Plaza’s Harrisonburg used cars can make the task much easier.

But what is the best type of pre owned car to buy for your teen? Here’s what the experts say.

The Best Type of Used Car for Your Teen

The good news is that vehicles are much safer than when you were a newly minted driver. That’s because crash safety standards and government laws are more stringent. You’ll find this to be true especially if you buy a newer model vehicle because they have more safety features.

But to buy the best used car possible for your teen, experts have some differing opinions. For example, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recommends heavier, bigger vehicles. Think midsize sedans and SUV’s.

However, the American Automobile Association advises against SUV’s. But it is in agreement with IIHS in recommending midsize sedans.

The one vehicle type both organizations agree is a no-no is a small car. “Midsize sedans are the best choice for teens,” says Tamra Johnson, manager of public relations for the Automobile Association of America. “Small cars don’t offer as much protection in crashes, sporty cars may encourage speeding or recklessness, and SUVs and pickup trucks are more difficult to maneuver and more likely to roll over.”

Features You Want in Harrisonburg Used Cars for Your Teen

To keep your teen as safe as possible, look for a late model midsize sedan. These vehicles are equipped with modern safety features such as:

• Electronic stability control
• Antilock brakes

AAA suggests you look for some of these features as well:

• A forward collision warning system–This warns the driver they are about to hit a vehicle. Or, that there is an object ahead. Some midsize sedans also have automatic emergency braking.
• Crash Notification System–In the event of an accident serious enough to activate airbags, it will notify authorities.
• Back up camera with rear cross-traffic alert–This gives your teen driver much more visibility to see animals, children, and other vehicles that are behind them.

What’s more, Chevrolet is the latest auto manufacturer to take teen safety to the next level with their OnStar Family Link, a subscription service. OnStar Family Link is available on 2012 and newer models.

This service allows parents to set a maximum speed limit, speed warnings, radio volume, and forced safety assists, and much more on their teen’s vehicle.

Other Features You Want In A Pre-Owned Car

No matter what Harrisonburg used car you choose to buy for your new driver, you want assurance that you’re buying a quality preowned car. And we want that, too!

That’s why at our dealership, all previously owned vehicles must pass a 75-point inspection to be eligible for sale on our used car lot.

And each preowned vehicle comes with a 30/90 warranty, depending on the age and mileage.

Service After the Sale

Once you feel assured that you’ve chosen the right vehicle for your new driver, you want to feel comfortable with the service department. Ask to take a tour and meet the service technicians who will maintain and repair your vehicle.

This is an important part of the buying equation! And because you bought your vehicle from Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, you will get a VIP appointment. That means that your vehicle will receive priority scheduling over someone who did not buy their vehicle from us.

And, for as long as you own the car, you will get a free yearly state inspections.
There’s a lot to consider when it’s time to buy a vehicle for your teen! We know that because we have kids of our own. That’s why we do everything humanly possible to get your teen off to a safe and sporty time on the road!

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Did you know that the average age of a car on the road is 11 years? Used cars are a valuable commodity, lasting years with proper care!

And with the price of new vehicles soaring, a good quality used car just makes sense. But remember, buying a car, new or used, is a complex process. It’s important that you keep a level head and not buy your new car or truck based on excitement alone.

Why turn excitement to turn into buyer’s remorse? So how can you keep that from happening? Here are our 5 tips for making a wise investment, one that pays you back for years to come.

1. Becoming Infatuated with a Particular Model

Forget about becoming infatuated with one single model. Take a wide-eyed approach. Decide in advance what you need and then work from there. Compare models and base your decision on logic and save the excitement for after the sale.

Remember, when spending thousands of dollars on a car, let your emotions take a back seat. There could be an alternative vehicle that better suit your lifestyle and your needs.

2. Skipping the Test Drive

This is one of the most important parts in the car buying process! Don’t skip it. Surprisingly, many people do. Or, they just take the vehicle for a token test drive. That’s a recipe for buyer’s remorse.

A vehicle that may look good online or in a glossy brochure may tell a different story once you get behind the wheel. This is your chance to see how the vehicle performs and to see how well it fits your needs.

Take ample time-at least 30 minutes-to drive the car and perform a walk-around on any vehicle you’re considering to buy.

3. Focusing Only on Monthly Payments

Of course you want your car payments to fit your budget! But you also don’t want to overpay for a vehicle with a longer loan period just so you can buy the vehicle. If you know you’ll keep the vehicle for many years, it may make sense.

Again, don’t buy based on emotion. Negotiate the vehicle price first, then discuss trade-in, and financing.

4. Waiting Until You’re in the Dealership to Talk About Financing

The best time to think about financing is before you start the buying process. Know what you can afford to purchase.

Check interest rates and terms in the Harrisonburg area. While car dealers have in the past charged higher interest rates on car loans, that’s not the case at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza.

Our rates are competitive with local banks and some credit unions! And, if you’re buying a higher mileage vehicle, many local lending institutions won’t finance it. We’re in the car business. We know cars and we aren’t deterred by a high mileage vehicle.

Additionally, our car loans are simple interest. You can make advanced payments and pay off your loan early!

5. Not Getting the Pre-Owned Car Checked by An Independent Mechanic

All of the pre-owned vehicles at our Harrisonburg dealership undergo a 75-point inspection process. If the vehicle has any issues, they are immediately corrected. What’s more, if a vehicle does not pass this inspection, we will not place it on the lot to be sold.

What’s more, we have a 30 or 90-day warranty on the used cars we sell, depending on the year of the vehicle and the mileage.

That said, we know that customers often have greater peace of mind if they can take the car to their own mechanic. We respect that and encourage you to do so.

What’s important is for you to feel comfortable when you buy a car from us!

To learn more about the Joe Bowman Auto Plaza dealership, visit us on the web.

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Whether you buy a brand new Chevrolet or Cadillac or you buy a quality used vehicle from Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, here’s something you may not know.

Our certified Chevrolet mechanics can service every vehicle we sell! Our mechanics are highly qualified with additional GM and Cadillac certifications, which requires that they must go through specific classes and training.

GM also updates our service team regularly on emerging issues, so they can stay ahead of the curve. So how does that help you if you’ve bought a used car from us?

Call it the trickle down effect, but knowledge is power. Whatever our techs learn about GM and Cadillac vehicles is very helpful in servicing all vehicles. It keeps our mechanics sharp, curious, and always searching for the right answers to mechanical challenges.

Take the Headache Out of Buying Used Cars in Harrisonburg

Buying a used car in Harrisonburg or anywhere for that matter can be a roll of the dice. New car buying includes a manufacturer’s warranty. But what do you get when you buy a used car or truck?

If you’re not careful, not much!

At our Chevrolet automotive service center, our techs thoroughly check our vehicles. And yes, that includes new cars as well. Every new vehicle is subject to a Pre-Delivery Inspection, or PDI.

Our service team checks for something as simple as ensuring that the correct number of floor mats arrived with the vehicle. And then, for larger potential problems such as damages to the vehicle en route. We make sure that vehicle is in pristine condition before we offer it for sale.

For pre-owned vehicles, we take the same care. Used cars must pass a rigorous 75-point inspection before it can be placed on our car lot for sale. If there is anything mechanical that needs to be repaired or replaced, we take care of it.

The car is cleaned up inside and out and backed with a used car warranty of either 30 or 90 days, depending on the mileage. We want you to feel confident when you buy a used vehicle from Joe Bowman Auto Plaza.

That’s because we know that buying a used car can be a nail biting experience. You love the car but you’re wondering, “How will it perform 2 weeks from now? What if I’m making a mistake?”

Our auto service department does everything humanly possible to put your mind at ease. That’s why we go the extra mile with every used vehicle we purchase.

The Service Continues After the Sale

You can find used cars for sale just about anywhere in Harrisonburg, VA. Somewhere someone has a vehicle they want to sell you.

What often isn’t offered is service after the sale. That’s where we take the road less traveled. (No pun intended.) If you buy a vehicle from Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, the service continues beyond the sale.

Whether your car needs regular maintenance or is in for repair, Joe Bowman customers get priority scheduling. That means if there is another customer vying for the same appointment time but they didn’t buy the vehicle from us, you get the appointment.

Plus, we offer courtesy transportation when your vehicle is in the shop. And, for as long as you own the vehicle, you’ll get FREE car inspections.

One last thing. If you haven’t stepped foot in our auto service department, we encourage you to do so. It’s as clean as a whistle!

That should give you a good idea of how much we love and respect automobiles. If we take that kind of care of our shop, just think how much love we’re going to give your car!

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Some good advice adages die hard. In the mechanical world, one of the biggest myths is that a vehicle needs to have the oil changed every 3,000 miles.

That WAS very good advice many years ago. But even the best of advice can become antiquated.

“There was a time when the 3,000 miles was a good guideline,” says Philip Reed, a senior consumer advice editor for Edmunds.com. “But it’s no longer true for any car bought in the last seven or eight years.” 

If your used truck or car is older than that, you might want to stick to the 3,000 mile adage. Otherwise, the advice today is to follow your owner’s manual.

But there’s one caveat. You must determine your daily typical driving pattern. The Filter Manufacturers Council found that only about 20% of vehicles are driven under mild or normal conditions.

In fact, AAA found that just 6% of the drivers they polled felt like they drove in mostly severe conditions.

BUT, when asked about their actual driving habits, 62% said that their driving behaviors aligned with severe driving conditions most of the time.

And therein lies the rub. Most of us don’t consider that we drive in severe conditions, but we do!

The Severe Driving Conditions You Would Never Suspect

Believe it or not, a commute of less than 10 miles or so doesn’t allow the car’s engine and the oil to completely warm up.

If the oil is still cool, it cannot efficiently absorb contaminants from internal combustion, and that’s a severe driving condition. Here are seven more:

• Regular trips along steep hills or mountains
• Stop and go driving in heavy traffic
• Trips that involve towing a trailer or camper
• Short trips of 5 miles or less in normal temperatures
• Sustained highway driving in both hot and cold temperatures
• Trips that include towing a trailer or camper
• Trips that involve transporting various items with a roof rack or car top carrier

Bottom line. “Severe” driving is normal driving. That’s why a more personalized approach to vehicle maintenance is key, including when you change your oil.

Our service department recommends that you check your oil regularly and get your car serviced regularly. By becoming proactive with your car maintenance, you not only increase the reliability of your vehicle, you also reduce the long term operating costs, AND you boost its resale value.

Remember, it’s not just about how far you drive. It’s also about where and how. Include those factors when considering how often your oil needs to be changed.

Also, do make your owner’s manual your best friend. Observe your driving habits, change your oil accordingly, and protect what’s under the hood!

If you’ve got a mechanical question about your vehicle, talk to our service department at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. We’ve been helping car owners just like you for more than 60 years! Visit us on the web or stop by.

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Life gets busy and it’s easy to take a well-running car or truck for granted. You’ve got the kids after school activities, work obligations, time to schedule with your family…the list is endless.

But we’d like to make a recommendation. Put your vehicle on your to-do list for regular maintenance! Here’s why. The Car Care Council did a survey and found: 

• 25% of cars had low or dirty engine oil
• 18% needed new belts
• 13% had low or contaminated brake fluid
• 16% needed new windshield wipers
• 27% had low or contaminated washer fluid
• 18% had dirty air filters
• 18% had dirty air filters

An incredible 89% of the vehicles in the survey needed at least one service or repair. Each of the above are simple checks, many you can do yourself, and they are not expensive corrections.

Regular car maintenance can not only keep your vehicle running longer, it’s another safety factor for you and your family.

Car Maintenance and Dealerships

Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we’re well aware that car dealerships have a less than shiny reputation with their service departments. Many consumers are downright wary about taking their vehicles to a dealer for service.

Fearful of being overcharged, or having services performed that weren’t necessary, these owners turn away from dealership car maintenance.

Here at our Chevrolet dealership service department, we have a reputation for fairness and honesty. In fact, we’ve had customers for service and repair for over 30 years! What’s more, some of our mechanics have been with us equally as long.

Our shop foreman has been with the company for 20+ years. And while that’s important, our customers would not keep coming back if the service and work were poor.

What Service and Maintenance Really Means

Whether it’s a new Chevrolet truck, a used Honda Civic, or a shiny Cadillac, our GM certified service experts are trained to know your vehicle and help keep it running smoothly.

We do that with a 27-point inspection for every vehicle that comes in to our service department. Here for an oil change? Heard a rattle? Need tire rotation?

No matter the reason for your visit, our mechanics go over the vehicle to ensure that it is mechanically sound.

We also recently upgraded our tire machine that mounts and balances. This is a huge plus for our Camaro and Corvette owners because we can now service their tire needs!

Secondly, to really deliver on good service and maintenance means educating our customers. That’s why we take the opportunity to explain what we’ve found with your vehicle.

We then make our recommendations. You decide what you want to do.And we also offer a price match guarantee on our tires.

This approach to service is the reason we’ve earned the trust of the community. Lastly, because we have long term employees, our mechanics get to know your car and you. That makes a world of difference in the long running performance of your vehicle.

Because we work with vehicles all day long, we see what can happen when regular service isn’t maintained. That’s why we encourage you to make regular maintenance a priority.

If you have any further questions about having your car serviced with us, please don’t hesitate to call. We’re here to help!

Joe Bowman Auto Plaza is a 60-year family owned Chevrolet dealership in Harrisonburg, VA. We sell new Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicles as well as quality used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Get to know us. Stop in today!

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No one has to tell you that your car is an investment! That’s why you want to do everything you can to protect and extend its life.

You’ve got to perform regular maintenance to keep your vehicle running smoothly. And if you want to keep it looking like new, you have to clean the interior and exterior.

What do the pros do? Here are 9 car care tips they swear by!

Wash Your Vehicle with the Right Suds

Don’t assume that dishwashing liquid is the right cleaner for your car! Yes, it’s a great degreaser for dishes, not for vehicles. Not only will it remove dirt, grease, and old wax, but it also sucks out the oils from your car’s finish.

Using dishwashing liquid repeatedly will shorten the life of your car’s paint job. Instead, use a cleaner formulated for washing vehicles. Check an auto parts store to find what you need.

Once you’ve mixed up the suds, take your car care one step further. Fill a second bucket with clean rinse water. Use that bucket to rinse your wash mitt often.

This will remove most of the road grit from the mitt preventing scratches to your car. When the job is done, throw the mitt in the washing machine to get it completely clean.

Pluck the Finish

When you’re flying down the highway at 70 mph, your car is a magnet for any crud that’s flying with you. While your vehicle’s clear coat deflects some of the damage, it can hold the sharper grit.

Get a clay bar kit that includes a lubricating spray and pieces of synthetic clay. This removes the “darts” and gives you a glass-like finish.

The Pro Touch: Polishing Your Car’s Finish (Not the Same as Waxing)

While waxing protects the finish and adds more gloss, polishing removes scratches, small surface imperfections, and buffs the finish to a shine.

Most DIY car care enthusiasts skip polishing because it is an added expense and it requires hand polishing. But polishing your car is the key to a great gloss. And it’s one the pros never skip.

Save the Carpets Til Last: Suck Up the Dust First

You might want to clean those carpets first because they look so grimy and dirty. But hold that thought until you clean the upper surfaces. Otherwise, your carpets will just pick up the dust and deposit them on your freshly cleaned carpets.

Vacuum the door panels, the console, headliner and dash. Clean all the glass, dust the nooks and crannies, and sweep out the cracks with a car detailing brush. Vacuum it all up. Now you’re ready to clean those carpet!

Deep Clean the Upholstery and Carpet

For best results, use a carpet cleaning machine to get the dirt that settles deep into the carpet. You can also clean cloth seats like this too.

Get That Junk Out from Under the Seats

It’s a mystery how so much stuff gets under the seats and behind them! Slide the seats forward and get to work. You’ll probably find enough change to buy a snack.

Window Washing Also Includes This

Washing the windows is a given, but don’t forget to wash that line of grime on the tops of the window. You’ll see it when the window is partially rolled down. A few minutes with Windex and a rag and you’re done!

Brush Out the Air Vents

Air vent louvers are a real dust magnet. Vacuuming won’t get the job done but an artist’s paintbrush will do the trick. Give it a light shot of furniture polish and work it along the crevices to remove the dust.

De-Stink the Interior!

Cigars, cigarettes, fishing trips, harrowing trips to the vet that had you gagging and rolling down the windows to kids with carsickness…it’s time to de-stink the interior! Buy a can of neutralizer and go to town on the dash, seats, door panels, and carpets. You’ll want to leave the windows closed for at least one hour but the stink will be gone!

Clean the “Oops!” Out of Leather

If you’ve got leather seats, keep a leather cleaning kit on hand in the car. If you clean up lipstick, ink, or dye transfer from clothing and shopping bags right away, you’ll preserve the newness of your seats.

Otherwise, these stains will become a permanent part of your leather seat in as little as 24 hours.

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If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it should be a duck, right? Well, not always.

According to Carfax, mileage rollback, or the illegal act of changing the mileage readings on a vehicle to make it appear to have lower mileage, is one of the most frequent types of fraud in the used car selling process.

For example:

• Disconnecting or resetting the odometer
• Altering or changing the numbers
• Replacing the odometer without providing notice

Sneaky, huh? So how can you protect yourself from getting ripped off when you buy a car privately? Here are 7 ways to make a safe used car purchase.

7 Ways to Keep from Getting Ripped Off When Your Buy Privately

1. Compare Mileage Readings. The very first step to protecting yourself from odometer fraud is to compare the odometer mileage with the mileage number on inspection records and on vehicle maintenance records. If any mileage inconsistencies show up on those official documents, it can point to odometer fraud.

2. Vehicle Wear and Tear. Is the wear and tear on the vehicle consistent with the number of miles on the car? Brakes, tires, and car interior should all be consistent with the number of miles on the vehicle. (For example, a car with mileage of less than 20,000 miles should still have the original tires.) Examine the wear and tear of the wheel, pedals, and gear lever. Then compare them to the odometer mileage. Is it consistent with what you’d expect to see for the miles listed on the vehicle?

3. Oil Changes. Check to see when the last oil change occurred. The sticker inside the vehicle gives the date of the last oil change and the mileage. Are there any inconsistencies?

4. Traditional Odometers. For traditional mechanical odometers, make sure the numbers are aligned correctly and are readable. Crooked numbers or misaligned numbers are a red flag.

5. Research Previous Owners. You’ll definitely want to research the number of previous owners the vehicle has had. An excessive number of past owners could indicate odometer fraud.

6. Inspect Odometer Area. Dash screws and scratches in the odometer area, parts that wouldn’t normally be replaced, can be signs of used car mileage fraud.

7. Mechanic’s Inspection. Get the car inspected by your mechanic!

Another powerful ally when buying a used car is to get a vehicle history report. It checks for:

• Mileage information and inconsistencies
• Car theft
• Number of previous owners
• The type of use
• Uncovers information through inspection and service records

Look to Carfax, AutoCheck, and National Motor Vehicle Title Information System for help. The system isn’t foolproof, but besides your own sleuthing, it’s another excellent tool for protecting consumers against fraud.

Alternative to Buying A Pre-Owned Privately Owned Car

If your head is spinning a little, that’s understandable. However, these recommendations are far and away the best for protecting consumers against odometer rollback fraud.

If you decide that buying a car privately is too much of a headache, stop by our dealership. All of our cars receive a 75-point check inspection, including odometer fraud. We verify the mileage! And we have 30 and 90-day warranties on all of our vehicles, depending on the mileage and the year of the vehicle.

Finally, when you buy a used or new car from us, you get preferred customer scheduling in our service shop. Give us a call or just stop by. We’d be happy to help!

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