A Special Supplement To
CAR CARE ’12
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012
2
Car Care ’12
The Daily Dispatch
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
How far can you go? Demystifying oil change intervals (ARA) — For years, 3,000 miles was touted as the optimum interval for changing your motor oil and filter. It’s also an oil change interval that continues to be encouraged by the automotive oil change industry. Recently, automobile, oil filter and lubricant manufacturers have been educating consumers that oil drain intervals can be safely extended, saving you time, money and reducing the impact on the environment. Breakthroughs in lubrication and filtra-
tion technology are two reasons why oil change intervals can be extended. Numerous factors come in to play when determining the oil change interval you should follow, including: whether your car is under warranty, the car’s condition, wear and tear you put on your vehicle and your oil and filter selection. Every automobile manufacturer establishes a recommended oil change interval for each model they manufacture. Oil change inter-
vals are now typically 5,000 to 7,500 miles for many new cars. You should follow your car manufacturer’s recommendations on oil and filter change intervals while the car is under warranty. If your car is no longer under warranty, you can extend your oil change and filter intervals by upgrading to a high quality synthetic motor oil and high performance oil filter. This will reduce the number of oil changes, saving you time and money, and reducing the
Tony’s Automotive & Body Shop
One location just wasn’t enough Tony Automotive & Body Shop has been open for 25 years. After all, he’s always loved working on automobiles. Around 21-and-a-half years into this venture, owner Tony Sanford saw how busy the shop had become and decided that one location just wasn’t going to cut it anymore. So, he decided to open a second location. But when you can’t be in two places at once, how do you make sure that things at the new shop are kept up to the standards you’ve set over the past two-plus decades? Simple: you recruit your brother. So now with brother Randy (Gar-
rett) holding down the fort at the site, Sanford is able to offer his customers quick, convenient and quality service — the kind he believes they deserve. Oh, then there’s variety on top of all that. Tony’s offers everything except upholstery. This includes: a machine shop, a transmission shop, complete engine rebuilding and engine dyno services. All at affordable and competitive prices. Both locations (Sanford’s original shop at 912 Carey Chapel Road and the one operated by Garrett at 2396 N. Garnett St.) are open Monday-Friday, 8-5:30 p.m.; and Saturday, from 8 a.m.-noon. Stop on by!
amount of oil purchased and disposed. There are a number of premium synthetic motor oils available to choose from. High performance synthetic motor oils such as Royal Purple typically have much greater oxidation stability than conventional mineral-based motor oils. Most lubricant manufacturers will offer a recommended number of miles you can drive between oil changes under normal conditions. If you elect to upgrade your motor oil,
you should also upgrade your oil filter. Inexpensive filters are typically made with the 3,000mile interval in mind. These filters often use low-quality paper media for filtration and they deteriorate rapidly after 3,000 miles. There are a number of new high performance premium oil filters on the market from manufacturers such as Royal Purple, Wix and K&N. These filters are made for extended oil drain intervals. For example, Royal Purple uses a propri-
etary long-life, microglass media that provides protection for up to 12,000 miles. It also provides an increased level of protection due to the density of the filtration. Don’t get hung up on oil change myths. Upgrade to a premium synthetic motor oil and take advantage of the benefits: better wear protection for your vehicle’s engine, extended oil change intervals resulting in money savings and a reduced impact on the environment.
Tony’s Automotive & Body Shop EVERYTHING BUT UPHOLSTERY 2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU!
912 Carey Chapel Rd. 252-492-9993 2396 N. Garnett St. 252-438-2927 Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 am-5:30 pm Sat. 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
CAR CARE ’12
THE DAILY DISPATCH
3
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012
Buying a car? Avoid these wrong turns (ARA) — Buying a car is like an epic adventure. There are heroes (you), sidekicks (your wingmen who accompany you to the dealership), foes (the sales manager who just won’t give up on the undercarriage rust-proofing) and even a prize at the end (your shiny new vehicle). And like any journey, buying a car can be fraught with perils and wrong turns. Fortunately, a few simple steps can help ensure your car buying experience is a great adventure that doesn’t turn into a detour to financial disaster. Here are some common wrong turns and how to avoid them: 1) Failing to check your credit before going to the dealership. Unless you’re paying cash — something many people cannot afford to do — you’ll be financing your vehicle purchase. You need to know what’s on your credit report and how strong your credit score is before you apply for financing. This will give you an idea of what loan terms you might qualify for. Websites like creditreport.com
can help you understand your credit. A membership to CreditReport.com includes daily monitoring of your credit report to help you manage your credit, know your score, and catch potential fraud quickly. 2) Not having financing lined up before you shop. Once you have a handle on your credit, it’s important to explore your financing options before you ever set foot on a car lot. Yes, virtually every dealer can help you with financing, but there’s no guarantee they will be able to offer you the best terms. You may be able to qualify for a lower interest rate through your bank. Having checked a couple financing options before you shop ensures you know exactly how much you can spend, and gives you more bargaining power at the dealership. 3) Not knowing what the actual price of the car should be. There’s the price the dealer puts on the car — the sticker price — and then there’s the price you should actually pay. Most automotive
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experts agree, you should start your negotiations based on the invoice price, which is what the dealer paid for the vehicle, and pay only a few percentage points over that price. Fortunately, online resources like Edmunds. com and KBB.com can help provide an idea of what you can expect to pay for any vehicle you’re thinking of purchasing. 4) Looking at the monthly payment, rather than the actual price. When you’re car shopping, it’s easy to take the wrong turn and focus on how the monthly payment fits into your budget. But that doesn’t give you an accurate picture of the true price of the car you’re financing. You may think you’re getting a good deal on the sale price, but if you’re paying thousands in interest over the life of the loan, that deal may not be as good as you think. For example, if you finance a
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$25,000 vehicle with no money down and no trade at 7.5 percent interest over six years, you’ll pay nearly $6,200 in interest, according to onlinecalculator.org. That means you haven’t bought a $25,000 car, you’ve bought one that actually costs you more than $31,500. 5) Buying costly addons or features that you don’t need. Remember the sales manager who just won’t take “no” for an answer when it comes to the rust-proofing? Add-ons — services or products that the dealership tries to sell you after you’ve chosen your vehicle — are a significant revenue stream for car sellers. Often, however, the items are ones you really don’t need. For example, if you’re buying a new car, do you really need the extended warranty plan? In most cases, the manufacturer’s warranty should be sufficient. Be sure to read all the fine print
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on your sales contract before signing anything. If the dealer has included add-ons you don’t want or need, ask to have them — and their costs
— removed. If the dealer balks, threaten to walk; there are just too many car dealers out there to settle for less than the best deal possible.
Genuine Toyota
Day at the Auto Spa
Multi point inspection it is a good practice to keep your vehicle looking and performing well and keeping you on the road. •Oil & Filter Change •Tire Rotation •Multipoint Inspection •Hand Wash & Vacuum
$
59
95
TOYOTA OF HENDERSON 205 Toyota Lane (252) 438-2182 www.toyotaofhenderson.com
Charles Boyd of Henderson “LOCATED JUST DOWN THE ROAD FROM THE HIGH PRICES!”
YOUR ONE STOP TIRE SHOP! We Are A
GIGANTIC Tire Store!
Guaranteed to Beat Any Tire Price In Town! FREE Alignment Check
Is your Check Engine Light On?
FREE
We will read your diagnostic trouble codes for 27 point Vehicle Inspection with any Oil Change!!
FREE
www.charlesboydgm.com • Call Today 252-492-6161 284 US 158 , Henderson NC
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-7:00pm, Sat 9:00am-5:00pm •Service Hours Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm
The Daily Dispatch
Car Care ’12
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
5
Charles Boyd Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC
Serving and servicing for over 30 years
Charles Boyd Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC of Henderson has been serving Henderson and its surrounding areas for over 30 years as a family owned local business in the community. We offer a full Quick Service Repair Shop and Parts and Accessories Department allowing you to have all of your automotive needs met in one convenient location. You will also find the Largest Selection of New, Program and Pre-Owned vehicles to choose from when it comes time for you to be in the market for your next vehicle. Our Certified Service Advisors and Technicians have the knowledge to assist you with all of your automotive needs, from basic oil and filter changes to the most advanced engine and electrical diagnostics. Our service department provides repairs
Charles Boyd Chevrolet Cadilla Buick GMC has teamed up with Henderson-Vance Parks and Recreation by donating soccer and baseball equipment, sponsoring teams and providing fundraiser entry tickets through Chevy Youth Sports.
and routine maintenance on all Chevrolet Cadillac Buick and GMC models as well as all other makes and models. Our primary goal
is to provide you with prompt and professional service with a staff that understands your needs. To accomplish this, our Service Department is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Furthermore, in order to serve you most effectively we have expedited the service appointment process with online reservations available to you 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week without having to pick up the phone. Log on to CharlesBoydGM.com and schedule your pre-
ferred service date and time today! Our service manager, Mike Renn, or any of our three service consultants — Tony Crabtree, Rico Ellis, or Chris Olearo — are looking forward to servicing all of your automotive needs! We are the top CSI (Customer Service Index) performing dealership in the district in both sales and service. So you can take comfort in knowing that you and your vehicle are in good hands. Community involve-
ment is a priority for Charles Boyd of Henderson. We strive to be a part of programs that make an impact in the area that we live in. One of these programs is Chevy Drive for Perfection, which is designed to give seniors an additional incentive to finish their high school careers strong. All seniors at NVHS and SVHS who achieve 98 percent attendance or better with no unexcused absences in their senior year are registered in a drawing to win their choice of a
brand new 2012 Chevy Cruze or Sonic! We also team up with Henderson-Vance Parks and Recreation by donating soccer and baseball equipment, sponsoring teams and providing fundraiser entry tickets through Chevy Youth Sports. The tickets are sold and 100 percent of the proceeds raised go to HVPR. Grand prize winners receive their choice of a Chevrolet Equinox or Cruze. And secondary prize winners receive a Home Entertainment Package. We are pleased to be involved with Cell Phones for Soldiers as well. We collect unwanted, gently used cell phones which this program recycles and uses the proceeds to provide pre-paid calling cards and cell phones to troops serving in our U.S. Armed Forces. Another way we are giving back to our community is by being actively involved in the Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society’s efforts to help care for the unwanted, hurt, and abandoned animals in Vance County. You can find updates of our latest community efforts on our Facebook page, “Charles Boyd Chevrolet of Henderson N.C.”
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THE DAILY DISPATCH
CAR CARE ’12
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012
Things that can mar an automotive paint job Most people purchase a car for its looks and performance. However, unless the auto is kept in a garage and never driven, it is impossible to keep it in pristine condition. In many cases, damage to the clear coat or enamel paint on the car is something vehicle owners expect. A car owner who decides he or she wants the car to remain in the best shape possible will have to take an active role in maintenance and damage prevention. One of the key things to remember is to never allow
any substance to remain on the paint for too long; otherwise the risk for damage increases. Also, it may be very difficult to clean if the offender is allowed to sit on the paint. Here are some other factors to consider. • UV light: Just as UV light can affect skin, hair and other parts of the body, it also can affect the paint on a car. UV rays oxidize the paint and cause a white, powdery film to form on the car. Washing the car frequently enough and applying the best quality wax will help keep UV
rays from penetrating through the paint. • Over sprays: Life does not stop to allow cars to drive through, particularly when it comes to construction zones. It’s possible for a car to be doused in paint spray, tar, concrete, and other chemicals that are routinely used in construction. Do not allow these substances to harden on the car. Rinse promptly with automotive soap. Try to avoid construction zones whenever possible. • Rain: Both acid rain and regular rainwater
(and other sources of water) can dissolve paint over time. The U.S. Geological Survey has said that water is a universal solvent because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid. Whenever the car becomes wet, it should be dried with a towel or chamois and not allowed to air dry. • Natural substances: Tree sap, bird droppings and splattered insects contain compounds that can erode the paint on a car. Avoid parking under large trees where sap and bird drop-
pings may be prevalent. In terms of bug splatter, try to wash it off as soon as possible to alleviate damage. • Eggs: Oftentimes, rambunctious children think it is funny to egg a car. However, the enzymes and sulfur content in eggs can cause paint and clear coat to dissolve, leaving white spots in the wake of the egg. Because egg can be sticky and very hard to remove once dried, it is helpful to wash it off as soon as possible. It takes only a few hours for the damage to be permanent.
Bring Your Car In For A Spring Check Up
Call Taylor or Kelley
• Bleach: Although a bleach-and-water solution is often heralded for its ability to clean many things, it should not be used on a car. Bleach is an oxidizer and it will pit metal and discolor paint. Be careful with pool chemicals as well, as chlorinator is usually regular household bleach. There are many things that can damage a car paint job. Although it’s impossible to shield the car from everything, there are precautions that can be taken.
The Daily Dispatch
Car Care ’12
7
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Pre-owned vehicles: offering shoppers price and value When it comes time to purchase a car, preowned vehicles are offering the value and price that many shoppers are looking for, especially as the economy continues to struggle to recover from recession. Considering that many of the used vehicles available have low mileage and are only a few years old, this can be a smart decision. Used-car pricing will almost always be lower than a new vehicle, said Bobby House of Auto Mart of Henderson. Located at 133 Raleigh Road on the corner of Raleigh Road and Dorsey Avenue in downtown Henderson, the business has been offering used vehicles for 24 years. The more economical price is a big draw to many consumers looking to save money on a vehicle, House said. New cars depreciate as soon as they are driven away from the dealership, so even a vehicle that is only a few months old will cost less than it did brand new. Asking the right questions and building trust with customers are vital, said House. “When customers come on the lot, I start by asking what size family they have, how much space they’ll need, and what kind of gas mileage they need. Every car doesn’t fit everybody.” Auto Mart of Hen-
BOBBY HOUSE derson offers full servicing for all the vehicles it sells and can even customize a car or truck by moving seats or even steering wheels to better accommodate the buyer. Oftentimes dealerships will certify the vehicles are in good condition and offer warranties that cover many of the same items one would find with a new vehicle. Auto Mart of Henderson offers warranties on all vehicles that qualify and will also provide a free CARFAX report on any vehicle, which provides a history of the vehicle and can be used to check to see if it was in any major accidents or had other kinds of damage. The dealership will also connect the buyer with the previous owner when possible to further answer questions about the vehicle, if needed. Auto Mart of Henderson also offers on-lot financing and will work with any customer on
Located at 133 Raleigh Road on the corner of Raleigh Road and Dorsey Avenue in downtown Henderson, Auto Mart of Henderson has been offering used vehicles for 24 years. Bobby House feels that customer loyalty and trust have been the keys to his business success.
financing, regardless of credit history. Buying a used vehicle is also a “green” investment for customers concerned about the environment. While a brand-new hybrid may certainly save on fuel use, the energy needed to produce that new hybrid can be considerable. Purchasing a used car means less demand for a new one to be made. Another advantage to used vehicles is that insurance premiums may be lower. That’s because
new cars usually require comprehensive insurance coverage, when a used vehicle may only require the basics. While shoppers may be scared of getting a “lemon” when they buy a used car, House said that the reputation of the dealer is the best insurance against having a bad experience. “Buy from someone that you trust and that you know will do right by you if there are any problems,” House said. Voted “Best Used Cars” in the
annual “Best of Vance County” competition for 13 out of 14 years (until 2009), followed by three consecutive years as runner-up, House feels that customer loyalty and trust have been the keys to his business success. “Everybody is looking for value for what they’re spending, and I think we offer the best value in town.” Auto Mart of Henderson can be reached by phone at (252) 438-5928. Available vehicles can
MICKEY EDWARDS also be viewed online at automartofhenderson. com.
Auto Mart of Henderson 133 Raleigh Rd • Henderson
(252) 438-5928
“WE SELL FOR LESS EVERYDAY”
Easy on the Lot Financing! www.automartofhenderson.com Monday - Friday 8am-6pm • Saturday 8am-2pm 2007 Buick Lacrosse
#14526
7,995
$
2006 Honda Accord Ex
2007 Chevrolet Impala LT-3
$
#14579
11,900
14,900
2004 GMC SLT Ext Cab
#14578
$
7,995
14546
$
11,900
2006 Honda Accord Ex
2003 Nissan Xterra SE
2002 Chevrolet Impala
#14555
#14584
#14597
#14577
$
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LT
12,900
$
$
6,995
$
7,995
We at Auto Mart have been providing IN-House Financing for local people for more than 25 years.
Need a Car - Truck - SUV - Call Auto Mart of Henderson! “WE MAY NOT BE THE BIGGEST, BUT WE TRY HARD TO BE THE BEST!”