by Admin | Jan 5, 2024 | Car Blog, Used Cars
It’s all over the dailies – the cost of buying new and used cars has skyrocketed! So, when does it stop? We can only speculate.
Meanwhile, many buyers feel priced out of their dream vehicle. But even this leads some to believe that holding onto an older paid-off car is asking for mechanical troubles and expensive repairs down the road.
But much of that worry comes from myths about the correlation between a car’s age and the likelihood of issues. So, is there any truth to it? Well, the answer is that it depends on the quality of the TLC you’ve been giving your car.
Busting the Myths
In overheated markets like Silicon Valley where prices and financing rates are astronomical, buying new often doesn’t compute money-wise.
With interest rates over 14% on 5+ year loans if you have an average credit score, your savings will run dry faster than you can imagine. Think about this: you only need a portion of this cost to maintain your trusty vehicle, and either way you do the calculations, buying new will not match up to the cost of maintenance and DIY.
Equipping yourself with DIY fix-it knowledge for your paid-off vehicle can avoid the pitfalls of both new and used car lots. Things like tuning up mechanical systems, swapping out fluids, replacing worn parts, updating technology features, and detailing both the interior and exterior can work wonders.
On the other hand, protective steps like wax seals, seat covers, door edge guards and more help safeguard against incremental wear and tear.
With watchful maintenance and some cost-effective upgrades, lasting hundreds of thousands of miles in a used car is achievable.
So don’t let dubious myths about unreliability scare you into an unwise purchase. A little TLC allows you to save money and transport yourself in style minus the monthly car loan payment. Bust those myths and feel confident striking out on the open road worry-free.
by Admin | Nov 5, 2023 | Insurance Coverage, Used Cars
In a rather unusual conundrum, some car owners are facing insurance troubles with their beloved Kia and Hyundai vehicles. It’s a tale that involves TikTok, stolen cars, and the complexities of getting coverage.
For example, you own a sleek Kia or Hyundai, and you’re all set to renew your insurance. You dial up your insurance provider, excitedly anticipating a straightforward process. But, surprise! They drop a bombshell, saying they won’t renew your coverage. Why? Well, blame it on the TikTok challenge. Yep, you heard that right.
So, what could be happening?
Theft Troubles
Recent times have seen a spike in car thefts, especially among certain Kia and Hyundai models. Experts point out that these vehicles lacked a specific anti-theft feature, making them prime targets for thieves. Concerned drivers who own a Kia, are now stuck in a frustrating insurance dilemma.
Kia has been working diligently to tackle this issue. They’ve collaborated with major insurance companies to find solutions for customers facing insurance roadblocks. It’s a proactive move to help those caught in the middle of this mess.
The Price of Security
Some lesser-known insurance companies are stepping up to the plate and are willing to provide coverage. But, it might come with a heftier price tag. It’s a trade-off between peace of mind and your wallet.
One interesting twist in this tale involves USAA, who claim they are still open for business. They say they’re not making any underwriting changes for these vehicles – a glimmer of hope for some owners.
Kia’s Commitment
Kia, on their part, is leaving no stone unturned, and is encouraging eligible customers to get a software upgrade that enhances vehicle security. They’ve distributed steering wheel locks to impacted vehicle owners in a move to further deter potential car thieves. Kia is also in cahoots with law enforcement agencies and insurance companies to ensure that their customers have access to quality coverage.
Contact us at A1 Performance Auto Repair if your KIA has technical issues.
by Admin | Jun 20, 2023 | San Francisco Car Show, Used Cars
We’re all social beings, and we love to belong. It’s just in our DNA! It is the same for car enthusiasts.
A crowd of people that share a passion for cars that runs deep has to be the most fun. There’s no other place a car fad would rather be. So, what are the benefits of joining a car enthusiast group?
The warmth in the connection
They say birds of a feather flight together. Similarly, people that share a passion will always find comfort and belonging when in the company of a like-minded crowd. Whether it’s about the latest trends, tech, or maintenance tips, talking about it is therapeutic. And, of course, you learn something new.
Being part of a like-minded crowd comes with networking opportunities that can prop up your professional or social life. You never know who your path will cross with and change your life forever. Joining a car enthusiast group can open doors you never knew existed.
Lots of fun
Many groups organize events like car shows, cruises, and track days which are a lot of fun for car enthusiasts. For example, if you’re a classic car enthusiast, the chances of seeing a great mod increase several folds when you attend a classic car event. The excitement and fun you get are incomparable. Who would say no to some fun, especially when it complements what you love? It’s what life is all about!
Giving back to the community
Have you been wondering how you can give back to the community? Being a car enthusiast is a no-brainer!
Many groups organize charitable events and fundraisers that benefit various causes, from local children’s charities to national organizations. By being part of a car enthusiast group, you’ll have the opportunity to use your love of cars to impact the world around you positively.
by Admin | Dec 20, 2021 | Auto Mechanic, Used Cars
Your car’s engine health is essential to its desired longevity and optimum performance. Engine maintenance is the inspection of various engine systems vital to its operation and replacing worn-out components as necessary, as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. These engine systems include ignition systems, air intake systems, fuel systems, and cooling systems.
A comprehensive tune-up is vital for today’s engines to ensure a cleaner, longer, and more efficient operation. There are many activities involved in an engine tune-up, and keeping track of your car’s maintenance schedule could greatly benefit the overall health of your vehicle.
Benefits of Having a Periodic Engine “Tune-up”
Not performing regular inspection and maintenance on your engine can hamper its reliability and efficiency. A well-tuned engine operates at optimum performance levels. You inspect engine components for wear and replace them as required. For example, in older vehicles, spark plugs work hard to create an electrical spark that ignites the gasoline–to–air mixture in the engine combustion chamber. Worn spark plugs affect the combustion efficiency and can make your engine lose power or even stall in some cases. Spark plug wires are also vital. They have to be able to transfer and withstand the voltage created by the spark plug. If they are old, they can burn out and cause a misfire.
Air and fuel filters are critical components you inspect during an engine maintenance. These two items can affect engine performance and gas mileage. Fuel filters help protect your engine’s fuel system. They trap dirt and other debris in your fuel and don’t allow them to reach your engine. Over time, a fuel filter will clog and won’t allow gasoline to flow freely. That alone can lead to poor acceleration and poor engine performance. Engines also require a free flow of clean air to operate. Outside air travel through the air filter and mixes with your vehicle’s fuel to power your car. Air filters trap the dirt and other debris from the outside air. Air filters can clog up over time, reducing your engine’s efficiency.
We recommend you bring your car in for a maintenance every two years for its first 60,000 miles and every year after that. You can save on labor fees by scheduling your other maintenance with your regular oil and filter change. Get your next maintenance done at A1 Performance Auto Repair. We would ensure that this is done professionally by offering you world-class services. Give us a call and be glad you did.
by Admin | Nov 20, 2021 | Used Cars
In its 81-year reign, the Volkswagen Beetle stole the hearts of people in the US and around the world. Its teardrop shape and compact size stood out in a period where flashy big vehicles were popular. This may seem like a contradiction of sorts, but it worked.
But what makes the VW beetle still irresistible, several years after its production stopped?
Sweet Design
Most contemporary vehicles are enormous and come with a mean persona. Their face, which consists of the grille, headlights, and the whole of the front part, spells belligerence and intimidation. This may be popular, but there is a group that loves the sweet and gentle personality of the VW beetle.
Its big eyes are friendly, and its engine is as gentle as can be for a motor vehicle.
Into the bargain, the 1959 ad campaign in the US, and especially advertiser Bill Bernbach, played a significant role in this small vehicle’s popularity. They depicted the VW beetle as being honest and humble, and somehow, it worked.
On the other hand, the VW beetle appealed to the emerging values of conservation which grew in importance when deciding the type of vehicle to purchase. These values are more critical today with increasing attention on global warming.
Durable
But apart from its adorable nature, the beetle was built to last. Its low revving engine had an incomparable persistence to run all day. The vehicle was a breeze to maintain and was perfect for long road trips, and most importantly, it was at a great price.
Indeed, the VW beetle did not promise anything that it couldn’t deliver, which is what endeared it so much to many people. The vehicle is still irresistible today and will turn heads when it occasionally appears on city roads. Unfortunately, the 2019 model was the last VW Beetle made.
by Admin | Dec 4, 2020 | Used Cars |
Ford Pinto has one of the worst reputations in history. It is globally known as an explosive deathtrap. But what makes the Ford Pinto considered one of the worst? Just how bad was the Ford Pinto?
A Faulty Fuel Tank
The big and powerful cars were the mainstay of the US’s top automotive manufacturers during the 1960s. Unfortunately, the small and inexpensive vehicles imported into the United States started to gain traction, which rattled the big boys in the industry.
The Ford Pinto was hurriedly designed to compete with the inexpensive imports.
Ford put the fuel tank just behind the rear bumper, and this design flaw had grave consequences. Well, 8 out of the 11 crash tests experienced a fuel tank rupture that spilled fuel all over the vehicle. Despite this glaring flaw, Ford Pinto went into production and was launched in 1970.
In May of 1972, a Ford Pinto burst into flames when struck from behind at low speed, bursting into flames and killing Lilly Gray, the driver. Richard Grimshaw, the passenger, was left with 3rd-degree burns. Another high-profile crash would occur in August 1978, killing three girls.
Other Design Problems
The rushed development with cost-cutting in mind led to other problems. For example, the Ford Pinto had uncomfortable seats, and driving over long distances was a tiring experience. At the time, the 20 mpg fuel consumption was decent. However, it was too uncomfortable, and the fuel efficiency didn’t matter the most.
The over-ambitious cost-cutting and rushed development was to blame for the fatal flaw in the Ford Pinto. It was not only harsh and bumpy to ride over long distances, but dangerous, as well, in case of a crash. As a result, the Ford Pinto easily earns its place as one of the worst motor vehicles ever produced.
Did you own a Pinto back in the day? What did you think about the car?
