Car Tips Archives - National Dispatch

Customer and salesman with car key

A car is the one of the biggest purchases that you will ever make, second to a home. The car buying process can be a bit intimidating and overwhelming. After all, you do not want to end up overpaying for a vehicle. You definitely do not want to get the wrong car, altogether, as the return policy for vehicles works a little differently than any regular store purchase.

You will invest a lot of time, energy, and money into the car buying process, but are you avoiding some of the most common mistakes car shoppers make? We have compiled this list to help you drive off the lot with a smile on your face without any regrets.

Here are some mistakes that many car buyers are currently making:

1. Avoiding Research.

Think of buying a car like preparing for a big exam. You do not want to go in for your big test, blind, because it could cost you. Instead, you need to study up and do your research. The internet is your friend. Use it to search for a car that matches your price range. You can filter your car search by makes, models, years, mileage, and more. It is also smart to read a few reviews about both the car and the dealership you will be potentially be doing business with.

2. Picking The Wrong Car.

Think about what you do on a day-to-day basis. What about on a weekly basis? Maybe, better fuel economy is at the top of your must-have list because of your long commute to work. Also, think about your future plans. If you are planning on starting a family, investing in a sedan or SUV that offers the safety and seating you need may be a good idea.

3. Looking At Only One Place.

If you have found your dream car, there is nothing wrong with signing and driving away without stepping foot on another car lot. However, sometimes, it pays to keep your options open. Travel to different dealerships to see who offers the best deal. For a more convenient search, this can also be done online. When shopping for a dealership, keep customer service in mind, as well. This is just as important as the price and value of the car.

4. Not Looking Up Your Car’s Value.

If you are planning on trading in your car for a new or used vehicle, it would be a smart idea to look up your car’s trade-in value. Keep this number at the back of your head when going to a dealership. If the dealership does not offer you what you want, you can try to negotiate, sell on your own, or go to a private party.

5. Skipping The Test-Drive.

A test-drive is one of the most important factors in determining if a car is right for you. Pictures do not tell the entire story. Therefore, you must sit in the driver’s seat. During the test-drive, consider the following:

Seat comfort
Controls
Visibility
Engine noise
Technology and features
Steering
Acceleration

6. Forgetting About The Online Department.

Many people think of buying a car in the traditional way. You walk onto a lot to speak with a salesperson about your interest in a vehicle. In today’s world, most dealerships also have an online department. These departments take the stress out of the negotiation process, creating a totally different car shopping experience.

7. Thinking Dealership Financing Is Your Only Option.

Most people cannot afford to pay for a vehicle in its entirety, so they finance it with a loan. It may seem easier to use the financing options offered through the dealership. However, this is not your only option. You can also get a car loan through a bank, credit union, or online company. Do your homework to decide which financing option is right for you and which one offers you the lowest interest rates.

8. Feeling Forced Into A Buy.

Buying a car is a big decision. If you have any doubts, sleep on your decision. You need to be 100% confident and be in a place where you can financially afford the monthly payments. A salesperson should respect your choice and need for more time, so they should not push you to buy.

9. Thinking New Is Your Only Option.

There are advantages and disadvantages to buying both new and used cars. While new cars offer top-rated technology and features, buying used could save you money, upfront. In addition, requesting a CarFax report is a great way to have peace of mind in the car buying process. You will find out information about the vehicle’s history, such as previous owners, accidents, and more.

10. Breaking The Bank.

One of the first things that you should do when searching for a car is to establish a budget. Stick to that budget. One way to do this is by avoiding looking at any cars that fall outside your price range. This way you do not risk falling in love with a car that you cannot afford.

Auto Transport And Your Car

By avoiding these mistakes, you can save yourself time, money, and stress, making the car buying process much more enjoyable. We, at National Dispatch, are also here to help during the process and anytime in the future.

If you are buying a car out of state, our nationwide auto transport services can make your life easier by shipping your car to you. With our years of experience and trained auto shipping experts, you never have to worry about your car’s safety along the way.

Request a free, instant car shipping quote. No personal information is required to get a car transport rate in seconds. Only four fields are needed: vehicle make, vehicle model, pickup location, and delivery location. If you prefer to speak with an auto transport representative, you can call us at 800-321-2051.

Spring Car Washing

After the snow and ice that winter brought to many parts of the country, you are likely overjoyed at the thought of sunshine and warmer weather. With warmer temperatures, people are more eager to get out and about. This means more trips to the park and maybe even a family vacation. As you prepare for the upcoming heat of summer, it is important to ensure that your car is in tip-top shape.

The harsh winter weather was probably not kind to your car, wearing down various parts of the system. There is no better time than the spring season to perform a maintenance check.

Here are a few spring car care tips to keep your car running smoothly all season long:

1. Wash the car.

For those parts of the country that see wintry weather, salt is used as a way to melt snow and ice to make the roads safer to travel on. Although salt is crucial for safe winter driving, it also can cause damage to vehicles, overtime. The most common result of leftover salt is rust. This is why it is highly recommended that you wash the exterior, especially the undercarriage, once winter has ended. Remove all dirt, grime, and other debris. Then, apply a wax to protect the paint.

Learn more about How To Clean A Car.

2. Check the battery.

Extremely cold temperatures can affect how your car performs. The battery is one car component that must work harder during the winter season. When you turn the key in the ignition, the battery must use all it has to start up. You need to take your battery to get tested by a car service professional to make sure that you are not left stranded. If your car’s battery is three to five years old, it is probably time to think about replacing it.

3. Inspect the windshield.

Have you ever been driving and a rock hit your windshield, causing a slight crack? The winter weather could have caused this crack to get bigger. Although windshield damage caused by flying debris is not uncommon, these cracks can be dangerous. They can affect your safety and security during an automobile accident. Therefore, it is very important to get them repaired.

Below freezing temperatures can cause cracking and wear on the windshield wipers. These wipers are crucial for visibility while driving, especially since spring is known for its rain showers. Make sure that the windshield wipers are in good condition. The recommended interval for replacement is six months to one year.

4. Check the oil.

Changing the oil and filter at regular intervals is a very important part of car maintenance. Engine oil keeps the entire system running as it should. Over time, the oil can become polluted with dirt, dust, and other debris, which can have detrimental effects on the engine and on fuel consumption. Sadly, oil changes are one of the most neglected car maintenance tasks. Consult your car maintenance manual to see what type of oil you should be using and how often it should be changed.

5. Check the fluids.

As with oil, you should check the fluids in the vehicle. This list is relatively extensive, including windshield washer, power steering, brake, and transmission fluids, along with coolant. Check to ensure that all of these fluids are filled to the appropriate levels. These fluids are all necessary for the longevity of the car.

6. Check the tire pressure.

The air pressure plays a role in tire pressure. The colder winter weather may have caused the pressure of your tires to decrease, producing underinflated tires. Underinflated tires can increase the risk of premature wear and could even result in a blowout. It is important to keep all your tires, including the spare, properly inflated according to the owner’s manual. This is crucial for optimal drivability.

7. Inspect the lights.

Check all the lights, inside and outside the vehicle. If a bulb is burned out, replace it as soon as possible. Lighting is important to portray to other drivers your intention to stop or turn, as well as just make them aware of your presence. Not only is it crucial for other drivers, lighting is important for your own safety and visibility, especially during bad weather and at nighttime.

8. Check the belts and hoses.

The winter could have caused damage, resulting in cracks or leaks, to your car’s belts and hoses. Take your car in to a local mechanic, so that the condition and tightness of these components can be inspected. The belts and hoses should be inspected for any signs of wear, and then, replaced, if necessary.

9. Get an alignment check.

Roads can be hard on your car, any time of the year. Driving on poorly maintained roads with potholes or hitting a curb can have negative effects on your car’s alignment. This shift in alignment can cause uneven tire wear, impacting how your car operates. Pay attention for signs of wheel alignment issues, such as the car pulling to one side or squealing tires. When you take your car in to get serviced, ask your trusted mechanic to take a look at the alignment.

10. Inspect the brakes.

The brakes are one of the most important, if not the most important, part of the car. Without them functioning properly, safety would be compromised. Screeching or grinding noises, along with vibrations in the steering wheel, are signs of brake problems. Get your brake pads and rotors checked to ensure that there are no issues. You will be happy you did.

Ready To Travel?

After you have completed these spring car maintenance tasks, your car is now ready for the perfect vacation. If you dread the thought of long road trips, auto transport provides the perfect solution to get your car to your destination. Ship your car for a vacation to save you time and stress.

National Dispatch can ship your car anywhere in the country. Use our free, instant car shipping calculator to get a car transport quote. No personal information is required. If you prefer to speak with an auto transport representative, call us at 800-321-2051.

Posts Tagged ‘Car Tips’

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