3720 S Huron Rd. Bay City, MI 48706 989-684-7000

Blog Page at O'Connor's Auto in Bay City MI

Is Your Old Car Keeping You Up At Night

Rust Never Sleeps - Is Your Old Car Keeping You Up At Night?

Have you lost sleep worrying about your old car breaking down or rusting away? Maybe you should think about trading it in for a newer model. When you do, you'll want to take steps to keep your new car from succumbing to the same fate as your old one.

Remember the better the condition of your car, the higher its resale value will have.

Here are some tips to prevent rust:

1. Check for rust regularly and treat it immediately

2. Wax your car regularly

3. Store your car in a cool, dry place

4. Avoid driving through puddles

5. Don't wash your car with harsh chemicals

6. Use rust-resistant paint on your car

7. Keep your car clean and free of dirt and debris

8. Treat minor scratches and dents promptly

 

Garage Kept Cars - Winter Warning

In general keeping your car in a garage year round is the best way to prevent rust, but there is a caveat during the winter months. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, road salt and other deicing chemicals can splash up onto your car while you're driving. These chemicals will accelerate the formation of rust on any exposed metal on your car. You should also wash your car regularly, to remove any salt and other corrosive materials that may have accumulated on the surface.

Leaving your car parked in the garage as much as possible goes a long way in preventing rust but even that might not be enough. The best way to keep your car from rusting is to take some preventative measures. Here are a few things you can do:

Wax On, Wax Off

Another good way to prevent rust is to keep your car's paint finish in good condition. A fresh coat of wax will act as a barrier between the metal and the elements, helping to prevent moisture and other corrosive materials from coming from your car as soon as possible.

Don't Have A Garage - Cover It Up

You can buy a car cover specifically designed to repel water and keep snow and salt off your car. These covers can be pricey but may be worth the investment if you consider how much it would cost to repair rust damage. Also rust will affect the trade in value of your car when the time comes to sell or upgrade

Another alternative is to use a tarp or old blankets to cover your car when you know bad weather is on the way. This won't be as effective as a car cover but it's better than nothing.

If You Must Park Outside - Protect Your Car

The biggest majority of the time you will be parking your car in the driveway, street or other hard surface. Parking your car on grass, dirt, snow or surfaces that do not drain well can contribute to rust forming on the undercarriage, fender wells and other areas of the car.

If you find yourself in this situation try to park your car in a spot that is not likely to puddle after a rain or snowstorm. As the ground becomes soft from the moisture, mud, gravel and other loose material can pack into areas of your car that are hidden from your view. From time to time do a visual inspection to remove any build up in these areas.

Is It Time To Trade Your Car?

We know that trading in your old car can feel overwhelming. You have to find a dealer, figure out what your car is worth, and then complete the paperwork.

To make the process as easy as possible for you. We will give you a fair market value for your car and work with you to find the best financing option for your new car.

We have a large selection of cars, so you are sure to find one that you love. Our staff is here to help guide you through the entire process, so you can feel confident about your purchase.

Old Car Technology That Is Now Considered Standard

Car Technology Advancements That Make Life Easier For Drivers

Are you old enough to remember when air conditioning and powered windows were optional car features? How about when you had to manually unlock your doors? If you are, then you've seen firsthand how far car technology has come in just a few decades.

Nowadays, we can't imagine owning a vehicle without them. In fact, new cars are loaded with all sorts of tech gadgets and creature comforts that make the driving experience more enjoyable. Here are just a few of the car tech advancements that have made life easier for drivers.

Automatic Climate Control

Curbside Classic

"Cadillac released Comfort Control, the world’s first fully automatic climate control system in 1964. This system is an amazing accomplishment and a reminder of how GM and Cadillac really once were the standard of the world"

If you wanted that type of luxury you had to pay a pretty penny for it. Nowadays, you can find automatic climate control in even the most basic of cars. This feature keeps the temperature at a preset level, so you don't have to adjust it every time the weather changes.

Cruise Control

Another oldie but goodie is Cruise Control. Great for long road trips when you don't want to wear your foot out by constantly pressing the gas pedal. It also helps you save on gas. Just set your desired speed and the car will maintain a consistent speed, as long as you keep your foot off the brake.

Wikipedia

"Modern cruise control (also known as a speedostat or tempomat) was invented in 1948 by the blind inventor and mechanical engineer Ralph Teetor.[4][5] He came up with the idea due to being frustrated by his driver's habit of speeding up and slowing down as he talked."

Heated and Cooled Seats

Another comfort feature that has become standard in many new cars are heated and cooled seats. This is a welcome addition for those who live in climates with extreme temperatures. Heated seats warm you up on cold days, while cooled seats keep you cool on hot days.

Backup Cameras

Did you know that backup cameras originated in 1956? Although backup cameras have been around for years they started to become more popular in the early 2000s.

Backup cameras are a lifesaver, literally. They help you avoid accidents by giving you a clear view of what's behind you when you're in reverse.

Wikipedia

"1956 Buick Centurion concept car, presented in January 1956 at the General Motors Motorama. The vehicle had a rear-mounted television camera that sent images to a TV screen in the dashboard in place of the rear-view mirror."

If you've ever tried to parallel park in a tight spot without one then you know what a pain it can be. a backup camera can be a lifesaver.

Tuesday, May 1st, 2018 - The Day Backup Cameras Became Standard

Car And Driver

"If you’re shopping for a new vehicle and it doesn’t have a backup camera or the feature costs extra, then it was built before Tuesday, May 1st, 2018. That’s when the safety device became standard on all vehicles made for the American market."

Although backup cameras have been around for years they started to become more popular in the early 2000s.

Keyless Entry and Start

Just like other car technology , keyless entry and start has been around for a while but it's only recently that it has become standard in new cars. This feature allows you to unlock and start your car without ever having to take your keys out of your pocket.

What Car Technology Is Next To Become A Standard Option?

Here are some other options that are starting to move their way from the luxury category into the mainstream. The average car buyer may not be able to afford all of these features right now, but eventually, they may become standard.

1. Automatic braking

2. Lane departure warning

3. Blind spot monitoring

4. Park assist systems

5. Adaptive cruise control

6. Heads-up displays

One of the most popular car technology trends is the inclusion of hands-free capabilities, such as Bluetooth and voice-activated controls. This allows drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while still being able to control.

Do you have a car with outdated technology?

It might be time to trade it in. You deserve the latest technology in your car – and we can help make that happen. We have a huge selection of cars to choose from, and we’ll make sure the process is easy for you.

Why Now Is The Best Time To Trade In Your Car!

Get Top Dollar For Your Trade!

 If you are in the market for a new car, now is an excellent time to trade in your old one. Dealer inventory is low, as a result, dealerships are now offering better deals on trade-ins than they have in the past. 

 

What are some benefits of trading in a car for a newer model

  1. Trade-ins are at an all-time high, and likely to stay that way for the foreseeable future.

  2. You'll get a better deal now than you would in the past

  3. It will be easier to find financing for your new car since dealerships have less inventory on their lot

When you trade in your old car for a newer model, you can expect to receive a number of benefits. First, you'll get a newer, more reliable car. Newer cars have better fuel economy and safety features than older models. Finally, you'll have the opportunity to trade in your old car for a new one with the same or lower monthly payments.

 

What should I do to get my car ready to trade it in?

If you're thinking about trading in your old car for a new one, there are a few things you can do to get your car ready. Most importantly, make sure the car is clean inside and out. This will make it more attractive to potential buyers and help you get a better price. 

You should also fix any cosmetic damage and have the car serviced so that it is in good working condition. Finally, gather all of the paperwork related to the car, including the title, registration, and maintenance records. This will make it easier for the dealer to process the trade-in.

Do car dealers take trade-ins with out you buying one of their cars?

Yes, most car dealerships will accept trade-ins even if you don't plan to buy a car from them.  As a matter of fact this gives dealer's a faster way to increase their inventory without relying on the traditional auction route.

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