Your Winter Car Care Checklist

Winter is approaching and with it come cold temperatures, high winds and snow and ice. All of these can create dangerous driving conditions, so it is crucial to get your car prepared for the cold season. The state of the roads in winter requires that you drive differently than normal. Snow and ice can be dangerous and the cold temperatures can affect different parts of your car. The best way to protect yourself and your vehicle is to prepare for the season. 

Not sure how to make sure your car is safe when the temperatures drop? These tips will help you to get ready. 

Check tire pressure & tread

Your tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle to check when the cold arrives, as drastic drops in temperature can affect your tire pressure. You can check your owner's manual or the sticker on the inside of your door to determine if your tire pressure is low. Most gas stations offer air pumps to fill your tires. Also, you should have a good tread on your tires to provide a strong grip on the road -- this becomes even more important than normal when snow and ice start forming on the streets. 

Examine the battery & charging system

It's also very important to check your car battery and charging system. A fully charged battery that is in good condition helps your car start in cold temperatures. You should have it tested by a mechanic to make sure it's working properly. 

Make sure the Lights are working

Since it gets darker earlier in the winter, you should check to make sure that all of your lights work. Turn your car on and then get out and look at your headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. 

See if the wiper blades need replacement

Your windshield wiper blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. If your blades currently leave a streak or smear, you should have them replaced before they cause a problem during a snowstorm. 

Have car kit supplies on hand

There are a few common and important supplies that you should invest in and keep in your car during the winter. These include an ice scraper, snow brush, small shovel, and some sand. The ice scraper, brush and shovel will help you to clean off and dig your car out of the snow. You can place the sand under your tires to give them traction. Also, putting a few bags of sand in the trunk adds weight to your car, making is safer to drive on the road in wet conditions.

As a seller of many different makes and models in NJ, from small cars like the Toyota Camry to bigger cars like a Dodge Durango, we understand how important it is to keep your car and yourself safe during the cold season.

Getting Vehicular Benefits in New Jersey

Buying a new or used vehicle allows consumers to take advantage of exceptionally low interest rates while benefiting from the best that modern technology has to offer. While many buyers prefer to drive off the lot in the brand-new vehicle of their choice, others opt to save by shopping from a pre-owned inventory. Both approaches offer a rich set of benefits, and both methods are viable ways to purchase reliability for a lower price.

Low Interest Rates are Your Gain

Shopping at a Toyota, NJ used dealership is a great way to benefit from ultra-low interest rates. Because the true cost of a financed vehicle has a huge impact on the true cost, educated buyers look to the capital markets and benefit from lower rates that ensure minimal expenses. Currently, many dealers are offering rates that ensure new-car buyers save money over the life of their vehicle.

In addition to saving with low interest rates, shopping for a new car gives buyers access to fuel-efficient cars, hybrid compact vehicles and powerful trucks that are ideal for today's consumers. In addition, many car dealerships have been impacted by the current recession, and their team of suppliers has cut prices to improve sales. With a glut in the manufacturing sector, new-car prices are at record lows, and buyers can easily save money with a combination low-initial price and virtually nonexistent interest rates.

Shopping for Used Cars in NJ
Saving money with pre-owned cars and trucks is another way for consumers to benefit from the current recession. Because new car sales are down for the last several years, the market is filled with reliable pre-owned models that are in excellent condition. Many cars have few miles and are offered at a fraction of the new vehicle sticker price. In addition, new cars lose value as soon as they leave the lot, but pre-owned models hold their value for an extended period of time.

Low Interest Rates and an Optimal Inventory

Shopping at pre-owned lots is another way to save valuable time and money while comparing cars from multiple manufacturers. Whereas the majority of new car dealerships work with one or two brands, most used car companies have a range of different offerings at a single, convenient location.

Increasing consumer spending power is incredibly easy when buyers take advantage of the prices at a Toyota in NJ. The current economy has been marked by several years of recession, and educated buyers use this feature to their benefit with lower prices, affordable financing and convenient payment terms.

Shop Savvy for a New Vehicle -- We're Here to Help You

Shopping for a new vehicle can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience. Although you may be eager to get your hands on a new set of wheels, buying a car is a big decision. There is a lot of research and negotiation to do, and you don't want to regret your purchase later on.   

As the nation's premier car buying service, we, at Autoland, understand that purchasing a vehicle is a serious financial decision that should not be made without careful consideration. While we are business and sales people, we care for our customers and work hard to ensure that they are nothing short of happy with their purchases.

Below are some tips we recommend that all car buyers to follow to save a lot of hassle and time.

Don't fall in love at first sight
It's easy for car buyers to fall in love with the first vehicle that they see. From the sleek style to the cool color and the shiny rims, there are a lot of exterior factors about a car that make you want to buy it right away. Instead, take the time to look around and see what other options there are. We have an array of vehicles available for you to choose from, so whether you are shopping for a Toyota in New Jersey or a Chevrolet, we are your dealership. Don't forget to check out the interior of cars you like, too! In fact, why not take a test drive to get a real feel for them?

Don't shop alone

Buying a vehicle is, more often than not, an emotional decision and bringing your friends or family can help you to make an informed, logical choice. They can also help you think of questions to ask that you may have forgotten about. We welcome you to bring anyone you would like! We want you to be fully comfortable with your decision, so ask us any and all questions you have and we will pair you with the vehicle that suits you best.

Don't forget about your bank account

It's important to have a budget in mind before you ever walk into the dealership. That way, you'll never end up buying a car that's too expensive and regretting your purchase. When calculating your budget, don't forget that we have financing options that can help you. Our salespeople will be glad to discuss financing with you and configure an affordable monthly payment.

We understand how many factors have to be taken into account when shopping for a vehicle and we're here to help. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us!

Avoid Buyer's Remorse: 3 Things to Consider before Buying a Car in NJ

Taking the leap and deciding to purchase a new car can be both exciting and nerve wracking. Even in the event that you have ample funds secured for your big buy, there are any number of pricey repairs that used models might be hiding under the hood; it doesn't matter that you have the money to spend if the car doesn't run properly or isn't the right fit for the amount of driving your lifestyle requires. If you are purchasing a car in New Jersey, there are also specific laws and regulations pertaining to the sale of vehicles that you need to be aware of.

Put simply, a car is an investment in everything and everywhere that it takes you to, and so being educated on the process of buying one will serve you well in the long run. It is important to consider a number of personal and financial factors before buying a car in the Garden State. Here are a few helpful insights to get you started:

Insurance Costs

A new car may seem like the best investment when purchasing a vehicle, but for many, the insurance costs can often outweigh the benefits of having a car with a longer life span. In New Jersey, as in most other states, auto insurance is required by law, and since driving without it is not an option, purchasing a vehicle that is eligible for the type of coverage that you can comfortably afford keep buyer's remorse at bay long after the thrill of having a shiny new car has faded away. 

Taxes and Registration

The cost of taxes and registration may be another factor buyers who are blinded by a pricey new model will overlook. In New Jersey, the amount drivers are required to pay for registration on a yearly basis is based on the age of the vehicle and the weight class. Factoring these things in while shopping for a car will help keep you on budget. 

Dealerships vs. Private Sellers

Car dealers in NJ process all the paperwork associated with the purchase of a new vehicle, but if the ride of your dreams is being sold privately, the process will be considerably different. The seller should provide you with a signed title, which you will also have to sign. However, make sure the information on the title is correct before putting your signature down, as inaccuracies could cause issues with the transaction. You will then have to get the car registered in your name. In New Jersey, there is a $20 transfer fee, as well as a 7% sales tax.