The saying goes, “the only thing harder than being a soldier is loving one”. Take the time this Memorial Day Weekend to imagine one of your loved ones over seas fighting for Democracy, Truth and Freedom. Then imagine them not making it back. That is what Memorial Day is really like . . . → Read More: Atlanta Car Dealer: Memorial Day Tribute]]>

The saying goes, “the only thing harder than being a soldier is loving one”. Take the time this Memorial Day Weekend to imagine one of your loved ones over seas fighting for Democracy, Truth and Freedom. Then imagine them not making it back. That is what Memorial Day is really like for thousands of families across the United States who have lost their soldiers in battle.Your Atlanta car dealer, The Southtowne General Motors Superstore salutes every soldier’s service.

I wish a simple “Thank You” could express the immense gratitude our Southtowne Family feels. Your bravery and heroism has not gone unnoticed and will not be forgotten.

If you’ve kept up with Atlanta GMC Dealer, the Southtowne General Motors Superstore, you already know that we like to give a lot of education when it comes to maintaining your cars.  I’ve started, I want to share my favorite cars myths of all –maintenance myths. I think these are my . . . → Read More: Debunking Atlanta Car Maintainance Myths]]>

If you’ve kept up with Atlanta GMC Dealer, the Southtowne General Motors Superstore, you already know that we like to give a lot of education when it comes to maintaining your cars.  I’ve started, I want to share my favorite cars myths of all –maintenance myths. I think these are my favorite because they are the most common. They’re also the most important because you may think you are doing what’s best for your car when in reality, you might be compromising your safety and your wallet. That being said, let’s not waste anytime.

Myth: Engine oil should be changed every 3,000 miles.
Reality: Despite what oil companies and quick-lube shops often claim, it’s usually not necessary. Stick to the service intervals in your car’s owner’s manual. Under normal driving conditions, most vehicles are designed to go 7,500 miles or more between oil changes. Changing oil more often doesn’t hurt the engine, but it can cost you a lot of extra money. Automakers often recommend 3,000-mile intervals for severe driving conditions, such as constant stop-and-go driving, frequent trailer-towing, mountainous terrain, or dusty conditions.

Myth: Inflate tires to the pressure shown on the tire’s sidewall.
Reality: The pounds-per-square-inch figure on the side of the tire is the maximum pressure that the tire can safely hold, not the automaker’s recommended pressure, which provides the best balance of braking, handling, gas mileage, and ride comfort. That figure is usually found on a doorjamb sticker, in the glove box, or on the fuel-filler door. Perform a monthly pressure check when tires are cold or after the car has been parked for a few hours.

Myth: If the brake fluid is low, topping it off will fix the problem.
Reality: As brake pads wear, the level in the brake-fluid reservoir drops a bit. That helps you monitor brake wear. If the fluid level drops to or below the Low mark on the reservoir, then either your brakes are worn out or fluid is leaking. Either way, get the brake system serviced immediately. You should also get a routine brake inspection when you rotate the tires, about every 6,000 to 7,000 miles.

Myth: Flush the coolant with every oil change.
Reality: Radiator coolant doesn’t need to be replaced very often. Most owner’s manuals recommend changing the coolant every five years or 60,000 miles. Of course, if the level in the coolant reservoir is chronically low, check for a leak and get service as soon as possible.

Myth: After a jump-start, your car will soon recharge the battery.
Reality: It could take hours of driving to restore a battery’s full charge, especially in the winter. That’s because power accessories, such as heated seats, draw so much electricity that in some cars the alternator has little left over to recharge a run-down battery. A “load test” at a service station can determine whether the battery can still hold a charge. If so, some hours on a battery charger might be needed to revive the battery to its full potential.

Myth: Let your engine warm up for several minutes before driving.
Reality: That might have been good advice for yesteryear’s cars but is less so today. Modern engines warm up more quickly when they’re driven. And the sooner they warm up, the sooner they reach maximum efficiency and deliver the best fuel economy and performance. But don’t rev the engine high over the first few miles while it’s warming up.

Myth: Dish washing and laundry detergents make a good car wash.
Reality: Detergent can strip off a car’s wax finish. Instead, use a car-wash liquid, which is formulated to clean without removing wax.

Source: Consumer Reports

Heard of at least one of these before? I knew it. I’m sure some of you may be in shock right now realizing that all of you’ve known about DIY car maintenance has been wrong, but don’t fret the Southtowne General Motors Superstore has you totally covered. You should never hesitate to give us a call with any car maintenance questions or any questions about cars in general. After all, we want to ensure your car lives the longest and healthiest life that it can.

I write about this topic once a year, usually at the beginning of summer I don’t think that this topic is talked about enough actually and should probably get in the habit of writing another one in 6 months. Being an Atlanta Car Dealer, the Southtowne General Motors Superstore, I, for . . . → Read More: Atlanta Car Dealer: Kids And Hot Cars Don’t Mix]]>

I write about this topic once a year, usually at the beginning of summer I don’t think that this topic is talked about enough actually and should probably get in the habit of writing another one in 6 months. Being an Atlanta Car Dealer, the Southtowne General Motors Superstore, I, for obvious reasons, have a connection to the automotive world that most people do not have. My days and nights are consumed with cars, new technology, the automotive industry and wondering if I turned off the lights at the dealership after I leave. So it pains me when I read stories about forgetful, or neglectful parents leaving their children in hot cars. Look, I understand that sometimes things happen, but this is one of those things that just can’t, not even for a minute.

Just take a look at this video to see why it’s dangerous and get a tip on how to prevent you from forgetting your child:

The video was an eye opener, showing  that babies heat up 3 to 5 times faster than adults, and how large a gap there  is between the outside and the inside temperature of a vehicle.  So please, the next time you want to run in for a quick coffee purchase and leave your baby in the back seat, don’t do it.  It might be a death trap.  To learn more, check out kidsandcars.org for other kids & cars related safety tips.

Also, I know how tricky those car seats are, so if you’re by Southtowne and would like us to demonstrate how to properly install the car seat, we’d be more than happy to help.  A secure car seat can help prevent injury among children involved in car accidents.

Test driving a USED car is one of the fastest ways to learn about the car itself, don’t you think? There is no doubt that your Atlanta Used Car Dealer, the Southtowne General Motors Superstore recommends taking the Atlanta used car you are looking at for a little spin before you . . . → Read More: Atlanta Used Car Dealer: You can Learn A Lot From A Used Car Test Drive]]>

Test driving a USED car is one of the fastest ways to learn about the car itself, don’t you think? There is no doubt that your Atlanta Used Car Dealer, the Southtowne General Motors Superstore recommends taking the Atlanta used car you are looking at for a little spin before you make an offer. You can quickly determine if the car is worth your time to check out mechanically in the first few moments after you turn the engine over.

There are of course a few common problems that you need to look for when test driving a car. I found a pretty good checklist from cartips.com to study before you test drive that used car around New Jersey.

Test all of the functions of the car:

You need to test the head lights, heater, A/C, radio, interior lights, mirrors, brake lights, turn signals, defrost, safety belts, windshield wipers and seats for how they function.

Plus, you want to check out any additional options like electronic seats, seat warmers, GPS etc.

Starting the car:

Before you start the car, be sure to check if the car is already warm. If it is, the owner may have pre-heated the engine before you arrived so that the car will start easier… if this is the case, be aware that the car may have cold start problems.

Open the hood before starting the car. Check to see if there are any wet parts of the engine, this will tell you if there are any leaks.

Start the car and pay attention to whether the engine strains at all when starting. This may mean the battery or electrical system is on it’s way out.

Once the car has been started, go back to the engine compartment and check again for any wet engine parts. Some engines will leak only when running.

Put your hand on the fender of the vehicle to check if you feel any harsh vibrations. The car should run fairly smooth and not shake the vehicle.

Finally, if the car has power steering, make sure that the steering wheel can be moved smoothly back and forth and there are no strange noises when you do this. If there is a loud whine when you move the steering wheel this may mean the power steering pump is fried.

Test Driving the Car:

Finally it’s time to take this car on the road! Through the entire test drive process, be aware of the sounds of the car. Does the brake pedal make noise? Does the engine make a strange noise at a certain speed? Does steering the car make a strange noise? These are questions to be asking yourself the entire time you are test driving the car.

The first thing you want to notice about the car is how the transmission shifts:

If you’re test driving an automatic car, you should almost not even feel the shift when driving slowly. If the shifting takes longer than 3 or 4 seconds this is a major problem.

If you’re test driving a standard car, the shifts should be smooth and easy. If the car grinds into the next gear, then your synchros are probably in need of repair.

While driving down a quiet street, take your foot off the gas and let go of the steering wheel (CAREFULLY!). If the car pulls one way or the other, there is most likely an alignment problem. Also, push the brake lightly and if the car pulls left or right under braking there is most likely a problem with the braking system.

Make sure you take the car both up and down hills. Does the car shake when braking down a hill? If so, the brakes need service. Does the car handle accelerating up a hill? Or does it cough and lose power? This could mean a number of engine problems that need to be checked out.

Finally, you need to take the test drive to the freeway:

This step is really important. Any major problems with the car are going to be very apparent when riding on the freeway.

Here are some things to look out for:

• Does the car pull to the left or right?
• The brakes pulsing or shaking when applied.
• Excessive wind noise when all of the windows are closed.
• Does the car seem to “float” around? There may be suspension problems.
• Does the engine sound normal?
• If you stomp on the gas pedal does the car cough or hesitate before accelerating?

Now, if you decide to make the used car buying process much easier just see your Atlanta Used Car Dealer, The Southtowne General Motors Superstore first take all of the guesswork out of buying a used car.

The Question on everyone’s mind every time they pull up to the gas pump to fill up is, “How can I go more miles without having to fill up again”? I know that this Atlanta Car Dealer wants to spend less time at the pump just like you do, so I . . . → Read More: Atlanta Car Dealer: Getting More Miles Per Gallon]]>

The Question on everyone’s mind every time they pull up to the gas pump to fill up is, “How can I go more miles without having to fill up again”? I know that this Atlanta Car Dealer wants to spend less time at the pump just like you do, so I looked into easy solutions to make the most out of every drop of gas you put in your Atlanta Buick, GMC, Chevrolet or Cadillac.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and am willing to bet that many drivers spend very little to no time learning the basics of how an automobile engine works.  Most people just get into their cars and drive. However, the vast majority of us consider a vehicle’s fuel economy both when purchasing and driving. Some go to great lengths to find ways of improving gas mileage such as purchasing different exhaust and air intake products, fuel additives, and tires. That’s all well and good, but those are minor improvements. When it comes down to it, the engine is the most intricate and vital component of that car’s ability to be useful.  Engine damage is also, often, the most expensive to repair. It’s internal components are subject to extreme heat and friction which wear on these parts over time. They are constantly exposed to temperatures nearing 200 degrees and moving thousands of times per minute. Even with regular servicing and preventative maintenance, the wear on these parts is inevitable and adversely affects an engine’s efficiency over its lifespan. It’s the efficiency of an engine which consumers often overlook when considering fuel economy.
So, what is an easy way to know that you are working just as hard to protect your engine as your engine is working hard to service your driving demands?

Well, for starters, consider Synthetic oil as your next oil change. When compared to traditional petroleum based oils, Synthetic has a stronger viscosity or stickiness. It also takes longer to break down in extreme temperatures and is less subject to evaporative loss. Substituting synthetic oils for traditional oils when servicing a vehicle protects these parts better and, in turn, leads to greater engine efficiency. It’s efficiency directly affects the amount of fuel being used or wasted in the combustion process. Therefore, one of the most best ways of improving gas mileage is to protect the efficiency of a vehicle’s engine over its lifespan with a synthetic lubricant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5rKxmC7MdM

This might be a good way to visit the pump less and with the rising prices of gasoline in our present day economy, a greater portion of the population is in need of finding practical ways to improve gas mileage. Using a synthetic oil for engine lubrication is one significant way a consumer can improve fuel economy and save a substantial amount of money over time. How much money? Well, how much are you willing to gamble? It will also better protect internal engine components longer which will save money in engine repairs…a piston seizing because you neglected to change your oil could tap into your kids college fund…and if you don’t want to face this…

…then you might want to care of that engine a little better and consider using a synthetic oil in your new  or used car. Ask your Atlanta car dealer, The Southtowne General Motors Superstore what the best option for your car is. Of course you can direct any questions or comments here as well.

Southtowne has seen it with Altanta car buyers before: buying a car on impulse. Whether it’s your first car, or you’re a seasoned negotiator, you should never buy a car on impulse. We’re not talking about a candy bar at the checkout counter here. The buying process takes time, research, careful . . . → Read More: Do Your Homework Before You Buy A New Car, Atlanta]]>

Southtowne has seen it with Altanta car buyers before: buying a car on impulse. Whether it’s your first car, or you’re a seasoned negotiator, you should never buy a car on impulse. We’re not talking about a candy bar at the checkout counter here. The buying process takes time, research, careful thought and even some strategy.

Organize your purchase and create a checklist that includes a list of everything you will need to make a good decision.  Without organization, the purchase process will be overwhelming. In addition to finding the best car for the right price, you have to navigate through confusing payment options and deal with salespeople.  Be prepared! Your checklist should not be limited to just the actual car itself.   It should be all the things, relative to the purchase, that you want and need before you to sign on the line.  Planning ahead and being organized will pay off with a much better and easier car buying process.

Here’s my list of what you should educate yourself on before you even set foot on a dealership lot:

Financing – Before you even search the Internet for that new Atlanta Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet or GMC, sit down and figure out how much money you really have for a down payment, and how much you can realistically afford to pay each month. Never tell anyone those numbers.  Knowledge is power and you want to keep the power. While most dealerships can and will arrange financing, your knowledge will allow you to find the best deal and let you know the price range and terms you should be looking for in your new car.

Research – Do your homework online and check out all the Atlanta Buicks, Cadillacs, Chevrolets and GMCs you might consider. The more you know the better choices you will be able to make. Be sure to know the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and any special offers available in your area.  Shop individual dealer web sites for specials as well.  Internet specials on the dealer’s website are many times the lowest the dealer is willing to sell for. Check multiple dealerships and offers.  You don’t have to drive 300 hundred miles to get the best deal.  Just use your knowledge of the offers available to work your best deal at the dealer close to you.

Equipment – Make sure you get the equipment and features you really want and need.  Many times a dealership will advertise a vehicle that has very little equipment.  In their defense, it’s because they want to be able to advertise the lowest price on that Nissan car you’re looking for.  If you aren’t comfortable driving a manual transmission, don’t buy a car without automatic.  Get power locks and windows with a security system if you can afford it. Buy only the high tech features that you will really use.  There are lots of expensive toys out there today.  Choose wisely.

Items To Remember – Check with your insurance company to see how a particular model will affect your premium.   What is covered by the warranty and is the warranty transferable when you decide to sell?  Is Roadside Assistance included with the warranty?  Check fuel efficiency on the models you are considering and weigh the benefits of gas, diesel, and Hybrid.  Then decide based on your own driving habits and budget.

The Car Buying Process – Now you’re getting to the relatively fun part of your car buying experience: the car itself.  Don’t take a car on a test drive unless you are serious about the car.  After you test-drive the new Atlanta Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet or GMC, odds are that you’ll want to buy it.  Also, don’t test drive the highest trim level of a car (equipment, engine size, features etc.) if a lower trim better fits your budget. To avoid making a mistake, test drive the exact trim you plan to buy.  Better yet, test-drive the exact car you are considering.  Car buying can be easy if you don’t make excuses like “The dog ate my homework.”

Can you add anything else to this checklist? What’s important to you when buying a new or used car? Let your Atlanta car dealer, the Southtowne General Motors Superstore help you with your new car research!

As we get older, a lot of us experience lower back pain, especially while driving. I’ve talked to a few Southtowne customers and finding an Atlanta Caddillac, Buick, Chevrolet, or GMC with comfortable seating was on their list. In a number of cases it ranked higher than gas mileage. A number . . . → Read More: Atlanta Car Dealer Discusses Driving And Lower Back Pain]]>

As we get older, a lot of us experience lower back pain, especially while driving. I’ve talked to a few Southtowne customers and finding an Atlanta Caddillac, Buick, Chevrolet, or GMC with comfortable seating was on their list. In a number of cases it ranked higher than gas mileage. A number of researches have investigated the relationship between driving and Back Pain, which some interesting results. One finding is a comparison of drivers in the USA and in Sweden found that 50% of people questioned in both countries reported low back pain.

I have written about it before. We see it all of the time here at Southtowne Buick Cadillac GMC. Bad car owners not taking care of their vehicles by ignoring a regularly scheduled oil change. Honestly, it is amazing to me that some people go as long as they do without . . . → Read More: Avoiding Costly Repairs On Your Atlanta Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet Or GMC]]>

I have written about it before. We see it all of the time here at Southtowne Buick Cadillac GMC. Bad car owners not taking care of their vehicles by ignoring a regularly scheduled oil change. Honestly, it is amazing to me that some people go as long as they do without changing their oil. I think if people could actually see what happens to their engine when you go too long between oil changes, they would be more conscious about the performance of their car and at the same time avoid costly repairs.

I found a 2 part video that not only explains the damages you can encounter, but actually shows you. Take the time to watch both videos. You’ll be shocked at the damage that can be caused by not being a responsible car owner.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC-SxrsgEwo

If you are one of those car owners that tend to consistently ignore changing your oil, go grab your keys and head directly to the Southtowne General Motors Superstore. If you let this routine maintenance go too long, I guarantee you that you will be shelling out a lot more money to fix your Atlanta Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet or GMC.

There is news out of the Buick camp and you are going to hear it first from the Southtowne General Motors Superstore. This next model year, Atlanta Buicks are focusing heavily on customer experience. According to a recently released dealer announcement letter focuses, Buick is making a concerted effort at building . . . → Read More: Atlanta Buicks Add New Power Train Warranty]]>

There is news out of the Buick camp and you are going to hear it first from the Southtowne General Motors Superstore. This next model year, Atlanta Buicks are focusing heavily on customer experience. According to a recently released dealer announcement letter focuses, Buick is making a concerted effort at building even better relationships with our customers. In fact, right now is a very promising time for Buick. As they continue to ride the momentum of the Buick product renaissance with the launch of the all-new Verano and the recently announced 2013 Encore compact SUV they are also introducing new customer initiatives such as Experience Buick, which includes a ‘New Lease on Luxury’ . That’s two years of all-inclusive premium services, bundled into one simple monthly payment.

According to Buick:
Experience Buick has led us to further examine how we can improve Buick ownership. The Buick powertrain warranty at 5 years/100K miles offered a significant advantage over all of our competitors. However, we have taken another look at its terms and found that on average, our luxury customers drive fewer miles per year. Buick data shows that 68% of vehicles run out of the powertrain warranty at the five year mark rather than 100K miles. In some instances, it has resulted in customer dissatisfaction as owners of low mileage vehicles were told their powertrain warranty coverage had ended.

In order to rectify this discrepancy in mileage and better align with real-world customer usage, Buick has improved the warranty experience for their customers by changing the powertrain warranty to 6 years/70K miles beginning with our 2013 model year vehicles. This change now directly matches key luxury competitors such as Lexus, Acura and Infiniti, and better supports Buick’s premium position in the marketplace. The new warranty terms will also apply to roadside assistance and courtesy transportation units.

This is great news for all of those who were looking into the luxury market for their next vehicle. No longer are the players only foreign vehicles, but it now includes the quality American Craftsmanship of Buick and will have the power to back up their performance. Now is the perfect time to consider Buick. See the Southtowne General Motors Superstore for more information on Atlanta Buicks and the new programs Buick has released to bolster consumer confidence.