Auto Service Technicians: Five Bad Habits That Are Racking Up Your Maintenance Expenses

As the years go by, you will no doubt develop certain habits while you operate your car. While a few of these mannerisms make driving more convenient for you, some might be causing damage to your car. You may then begin to wonder why your visits to your local mechanic is increasing in frequency. Professional auto service technicians serving Portland reveal the top five destructive quirks you should stop doing now.

Not Getting the Engine Warmed Up

Those of you who always run late when going to work or school are sometimes guilty of this. In your hurry to rev up the engine and pull out of the driveway, you are stressing out your engine and its components. Allow your engine at least 60 seconds to warm up after starting the car. This simple action helps along the distribution of oil and gets the oil temperature at the right level for optimum performance.

Ignoring the Check Engine Light

It’s safe to say that most inexperienced drivers are accustomed to doing this. After all, if the vehicle is still running well, why should one worry about the pesky blinking light on the dash? What they don’t know, however, is that a check engine light is a warning that should be taken seriously. Even a small problem like a loose gas cap can cause a staggering annual loss of 147 million gallons of gas due to its quicker evaporation.

Keeping a Hand on the Shifter

This one’s common for drivers who prefer cars with manual transmission. While that extra second you save when switching gears makes your drive a bit easier, it takes a toll on the transmission’s bushings and synchronizers. Over time, this leads to premature wear that could be expensive to fix. It’s best to keep both hands on the wheel if you don’t intend to change gears.

Letting the Tank Run Too Low

How often do you fill up the tank? If you’re one of those few car owners who like to drive until there’s less than a quarter fuel in the tank, then you are putting your fuel pump at risk. Many fuel pumps in cars today are kept cool by the fuel they are submerged in. If the tank’s always almost empty before you gas up again, there’s a big chance that you might need to replace the fuel pump in the near future. Keeping your car fueled up can really save you a lot of trouble.

Disregarding the Service Schedule

In your owner’s manual, you will find a preventative maintenance schedule. This sheet of paper is the key to keeping your car running efficiently for the longest time possible. It will also help you avoid the more expensive repairs you might encounter. Do your best not to miss your appointment with the technicians so they can inspect the essential parts and components in time. That said, you should also not neglect any warning signs you see when you drive. If there are strange vibrations and sounds, don’t hesitate to bring the car around.

About McLoughlin Chevrolet

McLoughlin Chevrolet is known around Portland for its extensive inventory of new and used Chevrolet and GM cars. In our dealership, we do everything to help buyers with their needs, whether it’s with financing or auto service. We can assist you with everything from routine maintenance to car trade-ins.

Sources:

Six Ways You Could be Killing Your Car, Edmunds.com

10 Bad Habits That Damage Your Car, PopulareMechanics.com

3 Simple Habits That Can Help Prolong the Life of Your Brand New Brakes

It’s no secret that your car brakes are the most important safety feature in your vehicle, and should regularly be checked for any issues. After all, issues with your car brakes (squealing sound, slow response, etc) present a significant safety hazard for you, your passengers, and other drivers around you.

If you have recently had your brakes replaced, it’s only natural to want to make sure that they last longer this time around. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to help you extend the service life of your newly installed brakes. With that in mind, try to implement the following changes to your driving habits to help keep your brakes working in top condition for years to come:

Keep Your Foot Off the Brakes

Traffic jams are a common sight throughout Portland at any given time. As you sit in your car waiting to move, you may find that you keep your foot down on the brake pedal. Although this does help prevent you from moving forward, the fact that you have your foot on the brake pedal puts unnecessary pressure on your brakes, which can easily thin out your brake pads faster. If your car is stopped, it’s best to pull up your handbrake and keep your foot off the pedal. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2AV9Hu9

5 Warning Signs Your Car Tires Exhibit That You Should Never Ignore

When it comes to car maintenance, many car owners tend to focus on the condition and performance of their engines and brakes. Although those two factors are incredibly important in terms of performance and safety, one aspect that is often overlooked are car tires. It is also important to maintain your tires regularly, however, as they also play a large role in the performance and safety of your car.

Fortunately, it’s rather simple to detect any issues with your tires, provided that you know what warning signs you should be on the lookout for. With that in mind, be sure to inspect your tires every few weeks. If you notice any of the following signs, make sure you visit a trusted service center in Portland to have your car outfitted with replacement tires. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2kraSe1

A Quick Guide to Buying a Car and Taking Out Auto Loans for Bad Credit Buyers

Credit history plays a crucial role in the car buying process, particularly when getting preapproved for a loan is required. If you have a less than stellar credit score, it can be difficult to find an auto loan that doesn’t break the bank. This, however, doesn’t mean you can no longer purchase a car. There are still ways to find an auto loan that is right for your situation. Here are some tips you can consider.

Verify What You Know about Your Credit Score

How did you find out about your credit score? It’s likely that you are just assuming your score to be low because you’ve recently made several late payments on your bills. It’s also likely that someone who you think is in the same financial situation may have told you about his or her score, and you thought yours should be the same. It pays to know the actual figure before you make preparations for taking out an auto loan. Don’t base your choices on assumptions or on the words of unauthorized individuals. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2jjN9ZT

Common Financial Mistakes that Can Affect Your Chances of Getting Bad Credit Auto Loans

Nowadays, owning a car is not only a symbol of freedom and independence, but a necessity for everyday life. Despite its importance, however, reports are saying that buyers are finding it hard to get loans to purchase cars. Even worse, people with bad credit are having a tougher time when they apply for loans due to the higher prices of vehicles today. Add to that the mistakes uninformed buyers often make, and it’s almost too difficult to get a new ride.

Still, car ownership is not entirely impossible. You just have to be aware of the financial pitfalls when applying for bad credit auto loans.

Going Over the Budget

If there’s one thing auto dealerships will often remind you of during the buying process, it’s that you should only buy what you can afford. Be realistic about your financial situation and ask your dealer’s help to find a car that will match it. Set a price range for the loan and the monthly car payment, and make sure that what you have left over will allow you to still live comfortably.

Skipping Pre-Approval

Too often, people with poor credit assume that getting pre-approved would do little to help them because of their already dire situation. You’d be surprised at how much more helpful a pre-approval letter is when you walk into the showroom. The pre-approval process analyzes your income, expenses and credit score, allowing you to learn exactly how much you can borrow. This way, you would know how to avoid deals with an interest rate higher than what you can afford.

Selling the Old Car

Don’t be quick to hand off your old sedan to just any buyer who comes along. You might get more use out of it to help you with financing your new car. Provided that your car is in good condition and considered to have a fair value, you can trade it in instead. Some dealers will accept trade-ins to help bring down your initial down payment. But don’t rely solely on trading in if you want to make monthly payments lighter on your wallet. Putting down as much money as you can will go a long way in paying off the loan.

Settling for Used Cars

If you’re buying a car on less than stellar credit, you might as well get a new one. Many people might not know it, but loans for pre-owned vehicles tend to be more expensive. You also have to take into account the future maintenance costs of a used car. You should not completely dismiss this option, though. If you do find a good deal on a used car, at least consider adding it to your shortlist.

Getting a Long-Term Loan

You might think getting a long-term loan is thriftier, but it’s actually quite the opposite. Loans with longer terms usually come with a higher interest. A shorter-term loan is a wiser option if you want to save money. Generally, anything you can do to pay off the loan quicker is good. Don’t be reluctant to make additional payments when possible so you can reduce interest.

Buying a car with poor credit can certainly be challenging, but making smart decisions will help you. Working with a reputable dealer also simplifies the process.

About McLoughlin Chevrolet

McLoughlin Chevrolet is a Portland and Milwaukie-based car dealership serving the Oregon area. We offer a wide variety of brand new and used Chevy and GM cars. We also have financing professionals that can assist buyers in finding their ideal vehicle.

Sources:

7 Simple Steps to a Subprime Auto Loan, Edmunds.com

How to Buy a Car With Bad Credit in 2017, Credit.com