Spring Break For Your Car

Spring Break is one of the best times of the year because it means that Spring is upon us and that means warmer weather is heading our way!  It might not be time to pack the Winter coats yet but we can see the end coming and that’s exciting in itself.  Spring brings about a fresh new feeling that usually radiates throughout your life from cleaning, getting outside to enjoy nature once again, or time to clean up and take care of things you put off during Winter.  Here’s a list of things you can do for your vehicle to get in the mode of Spring Break.  

Clean Your Car – A dirty car makes any trip less enjoyable and is usually one of the cheapest things you can do to improve your current vehicle.  A trip to the car wash, throwing out trash, sweeping the inside and wiping down the dash and windows will take a few hours and maybe $20 but it will make your vehicle look instantly better and make you feel better about your ride. Our Speedy Wash & Lube site offers state-of-the-art car washes at an amazing price and free vacuums so check it out.  If you really want to get into the Spring spirit, you can also go ahead and put on a layer of wax to protect the paint finish.  

Change Your Wiper Blades – It’s likely that you are similar to most Americans in the fact that at one point or another, you used your wipers to remove snow from the windshield only to discover that there was ice involved.  Even if you were lucky enough not to do that, the cold weather and the moisture likely dulled your blades and it’s about time for a fresh set to prepare you for the rainy days of Spring.  

Check The Bulbs – It’s not fun to work on your vehicle when the weather is so cold, and not many people are checking the status of their vehicle either.  Since warm weather is coming, it’s a good idea to take a few trips around the vehicle to check if all your lights (brake, headlights, fog, turn-signals) are working properly.  This will help keep you safe also in case you’ve got some road trips coming up. 

Check Tire Pressure – Even if your vehicle has a monitor system for tire pressure, it is a good idea to check your tires to ensure that they are properly inflated.  This will keep you safe and get the best gas mileage so it’s well worth the little amount of time needed.  Also, you should check the treads on the tires to make sure you don’t need new tires yet.  

Trade In Your Ride – You might not be in a place where getting a new car is an option, but if you are, now is the time to do it.  Spring brings about changes and often people want to make changes with their life so go ahead and trade in your ride for a new one.  At Fred Martin Superstore, we have 1,500 vehicles to choose from and great financing options that could keep you at your current monthly payment or even less.  

Before you know it, Spring and warm weather will be here and we can’t wait! Get ready to roll those windows down and unleash the convertibles! 

The 2013 Jeep Wrangler Earns Top 3 in Resale Value by KBB

      The 2013 Jeep Wrangler, like many of its predecessors enjoys a spot on top of the off-road segment but it also shares its high resale value that the Wranglers have enjoyed over the last several years.  The 2013 Jeep Wrangler was awarded by KBB to have a 55% resale value after 5 years which puts it in the top 3 for all vehicles sold in 2013.   It also enjoys the top rank for Best Compact SUV/Crossover in terms of resale value.   Many people associate this off-road king with being rugged, but it also holds its price making this one of the best vehicles of 2013 to purchase!  Don’t purchase just on resale though, as the 2013 Jeep Wrangler has style, comfort and features that you wouldn’t expect from the mudslinger.  With available features like Bluetooth, Touch Screen Radio and Navigation, and push button start, you’ll feel like you’re in a luxury vehicle, even if you’re miles from the nearest road.   Buy your next vehicle with confidence that it won’t lose all of its value once you’ve paid it off and get yourself into a Jeep Wrangler!   Stop in to Fred Martin Superstore today and test drive a 2013 Wrangler and see why so many people are passionate about their Wrangler! 

How to Check a Vehicle for Water Damage

With high water all across the Barberton – Norton area, several shoppers are worried about the possibility of owning or purchasing water damaged vehicles.  We make sure all of our vehicles sold will pass a rigorous series of test but here are some things you can do to make sure that your next vehicle will not be a lemon.

Smell the vehicle

      Just like a distinct smell left behind if a smoker previously owned the vehicle, water damage will leave behind a musty, mold smell that is near impossible to remove.  If you’re struggling to tell, sit in the closed vehicle with all the windows up for best results.

Corrosion

      Not just under the car, but corrosion inside of the vehicle or around the doors.  Rust isn’t always an indicator of water damage but significant amounts of water will put rust in places you don’t normally see in vehicles, such as where the door meets the body of the vehicle.

 Test Drive

Take the car out for a drive but don’t just listen to the motor, test out all the electronics.  Electronics are very sensitive to water and components and wires can be damaged so try everything (wipers, A/C, Radio, Cruise, etc.) to make sure these are all in working order.  If there are signs of smoke or you smell melting or burning, there is a serious issue in the vehicle.

 Check the fabric

      Carpet, seats and liners will soak in the most moisture and hardest to get out, if the material feels moist then that’s a clear indicator, but also check for wear on the materials are water can fad and stiffen material.

Take a look at the oil

Pull the dipstick and take a look at the oil in the motor.  Normally the oil is a dark brown that almost appears black but if the oil has more of a milk chocolate or coffee with creamer look then it likely has water in the motor.  If you’re unsure, touch the oil and check for a “sticky” texture as compared to the greasy texture it should normally have.

Fog

Fog is a sign of moisture and if something like the headlights or mirrors are foggy, then it’s usually an indicator of moisture inside the vehicle or areas it shouldn’t be.   Areas like headlights are a good indicator for newer cars, but older cars typically have foggy headlights and it isn’t a clear sign.

Here at Fred Martin Superstore, we look to pass on great deals, but we also check our vehicles extensively to make sure your next vehicle will be safe and reliable.   If you do have any concerns we will be happy to help you with any of our on staff experts.  Visit us at 3195 Barber Road in Barberton, Ohio; call us at (330) 753-4444 or visit us online at http://www.fredmartinsuperstore.com.   We’re the Fred Martin Car Guys, we know cars!

Gap Insurance – Bridging the gap between values

Gap Insurance

 

       If you have purchased a car within the last 5 years, you likely have heard the term Gap Insurance, but you may not know completely what it is or what it does.   It may sound difficult but essentially it’s all in the name! Gap Insurance covers the gap between what you owe on a car and what it is valued for.  As an example, if you go and buy a Dodge Challenger SRT8 for $45,000 with little to no down payment, then end up in an accident, you could be in trouble.  You likely still owe around $38,000 – $40,000 but the car may only be worth $35,000 meaning you will have to cover the difference, in this case $3,000 to $5,000, out of your own pocket!  Now if you have Gap Insurance, they will cover this difference for you making sure you are protected.

Welcome back Jeep Cherokee!

Welcome back Jeep Cherokee! 

     Jeep has just unveiled its 2014 Jeep Cherokee at the New York International Auto Show and we want to breakdown all the numbers for you.

Chrysler 200 S teams up with Carhartt

Chrysler 200 S gets fitted with Carhartt edition

If there is a pair of Carhartt’s for everyone, now there’s one for your car as well. It makes sense that the Detroit based car company would team up with a fellow Detroit based outfitter to come out with their newest edition of the popular 200 S.

2013 Chrysler 200

2013 Chrysler 200

The Chrysler 200 has come a far way from its roots

Performance

The 2013 Chrysler 200 is a great improvement over its predecessor the Sebring sedan, and has resulted in a lot of positive reviews.    The performance of the 3.6L V6 engine has effectively balanced fuel economy and performance.   The 6-speed automatic transmission allows for good fuel economy while still keeping the engine in its ideal range for performance.  With 29 highway miles to the gallon and the feel of a powerful sports car the 200 has captured a balance that makes it a joy to drive everyday. 

Steps to Buying a New Car

Steps to buying a new car

These are the steps that you can expect to go through when buying a new or used car and by knowing what to expect you can properly plan your purchase and get the car that you want. Remember that some steps will vary in time and importance but these are the most popular steps and can help you on your journey. Whether it’s your first car or your twentieth, you can never go wrong putting in some research.

Check your credit score

If you didn’t read our post on your credit score being the most important number when buying a car, please take a minute to read it. If you have, let me briefly recap for you. Your credit score will ultimately determine your interest and ability to get approved so searching within your actual price range will narrow your search and not wasting time researching cars that are unrealistic. While it may be fun reading about the newest Ferrari, you want to know about the 20,000 – 35,000 trucks that are available.