1. "DO I NEED SNOW TIRES?" - Snow tires can be extremely important if you live in an area that gets snow, ice, sleet or freezing rain and temperatures of 40 degrees or colder. They are also a good idea if you are planning on taking road trips that will take you through snow or over mountains in the colder months. 2. "IF MY TIRES ARE MARKED 'M+S' ON THE SIDEWALL AM I GOOD TO DRIVE ON SNOW?" - You may see some tires marked with "M+S", this stands for mud and snow. While these are most likely decent tires, they only deliver better traction in wet conditions than non-M+S tires. In cold and/or slick conditions, these tires may not provide you the traction and control you need. If it is true snow tires you are looking for, look for tires with a Mountain Snowflake symbol on the side. This means they have been tested and certified to perform under winter conditions.3. "I HAVE ALL-SEASON TIRES, SO I DON'T NEED SNOW TIRES. RIGHT?" - Unfortunately, this is not the case. Only snow tires can give you the stopping ability and secure handling you'll need when driving on wet or icy roads. The difference is the rubber the tires are made of. Winter tires are made with a rubber that is softer and more pliable in winter conditions. The more flexible the rubber, the better traction you get on wet and icy roads. 4. "SHOULD I GET MY SNOW TIRES SIPED?" - Siping is the process of cutting thin slits across the surface of a tire to improve traction for driving in snowy, wet or icy conditions. Siping can also help manage tire heat when the road is overly hot. Most winter tires are already siped, but additional sipping may be needed for used or worn tires. 5. "IS IT OKAY TO BUY USED WINTER TIRES?" - It may take some work, but you can find some nice used snow tires. Here are a couple things to look out for though. One, make sure they are the right size. You can verify this by looking in your owner's manual for you exact tire size. Second, measure the tread depth with a tread depth gauge. You may want to pass if there are 6/32nds of an inch or less of tread left on the tire. Third, be sure there's not a problem with uneven wear. Did your tread gauge measurements show any tread depth difference between the four tires?6. "CAN I JUST BUY CHAINS INSTEAD OF SNOW TIRES?" - Chains are definitely important, and they definitely have their time, but chains are mainly for traveling at a slower rate on icy mountain roads. They aren't made for highway driving, or driving at high speeds. Snow tires are ideal for everyday driving is areas with icy/snowy conditions. 7. "DO I NEED STUDDED SNOW TIRES OR STUDLESS?" - You can work with your tire dealer to go over what your driving habits are, and they will give you their recommendations. Studless snow tires usually work best in slushy areas, or areas with pact snow. Studded tires are mainly used in icy areas with heavy snowfall. The studs in the tires dig into icy surfaces and create more traction. -
Recommended Posts
Cadillac XT5
Prestige. It's the Cadillac way and the XT5 upholds that standard. If you want a crossover SUV that takes you out of the rough world and into a world of comfort and elegance, you want to experience the XT5. You make your own world - choose to make it elegant with the XT5. Keep reading to learn more. 1. The Engine The XT5 is powerful. A DOHC 24-valve V-6 engine outputs 310 hp. It's both fuel efficient and powerful so you can tackle a variety of terrains and haul more on your road trips. Active Fuel Management technology helps to limit fuel consumption which improves overall miles per gallon. 2. The Interior Don't fight over legroom. All passengers can be comfortable with the XT5. Furthermore, collapsible seating meets changing cargo requirements. You'll find plenty of leather-lined comfort to go around too with tri-zone climate controls. Meet real interior comfort. 3. The Control Driving shouldn't be stressful. It should be controlled and comforting. The XT5 works to achieve both of those statuses. With rear vision cameras and safety features like Side Blind Zone Alert and Pedestrian Collision Mitigation, you have further help identifying objects in your blind spots. Plus, all-wheel drive options and improved suspension make the XT5 a very responsive crossover in all different types of weather and terrain. 4. The Tech Class Tech is the future. The XT5 is the future. Available 4G Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the Cadillac Cue System with a touch screen is the future. Want to learn more? Reach out to Capital Cadillac.
Maintenance Tips for Your Vehicle
Buying a new can means starting out with a clean slate. It'ss up to you to do your part to keep it running like new for as long as you own it. New cars are expensive, but if you want to avoid the headaches that come with breakdowns, you need to maintain it properly from day one. It's best to bring your vehicle in for regular maintenance, but when you can't, here are some things you should check. Under the Hood Maintenance Your engine is the heart of any vehicle you buy. It is also the most important place for you to keep a close eye on overall maintenance. Your owner's manual has a recommended maintenance schedule inside that you need to follow closely. Not only will this help your engine last longer, but it will keep your warranty valid. Oil Level: You should check the oil level in your car's engine at least once per month. If it looks dirty or has more than the recommended miles on it, feel free to bring it into us for an oil and filter change. Air Filter: Depending on the time of year and where you live, your air filter will become dirty and clogged at different intervals. You should check it at the same time you check the oil level and replace it when it looks dirty. This will save wear and tear on your engine and help to keep your fuel economy low. Automatic Transmission Fluid: Check the condition and level of the automatic transmission fluid as per the chart in your owner's manual. Be sure to have the fluid and filter changed per the recommended intervals or if it starts to look dirty or smells burnt. Belts and hoses: Today's vehicles run on a single belt that operates all external engine accessories. If it breaks, you will lose electrical power, air conditioning and power steering. Inspect it for cracks or damage and have it replaced as necessary. Visually inspect the hoses for cracking, dry rot, or damage and have them replaced as necessary. Antifreeze/Coolant: Check the level in the coolant reservoir on a monthly basis when the weather is hot. Top of with an approved coolant mixed 50/50 with water. If it appears to be dirty or your car has reached the appropriate mileage, be sure to bring it in for a flush and refill. Other Areas of Maintenance Tires: These are the only parts of your car that should ever touch the road. They must be properly inflated in order for them to maintain full contact with the road and ensure you have full control of your vehicle at all times. Check the tires' pressure at least once per month when the tires are cold. You should also have them rotated every other oil change to ensure maximum mileage. These are only a few of the more important maintenance tips for your new car. There are many more available in your owner's manual for you to follow. If you have any questions about maintenance and how to perform the various tasks, please come in and talk to one of our service writers. They will be happy to go over your vehicle and point out its maintenance needs and how to take care of them with you.
Should You Buy or Lease Your Next Car?
If you're getting ready to trade-in your vehicle for a new one, you might be wondering if you should lease or buy your next vehicle. It's a common debate for a lot of car shoppers but which is best really depends on your needs and wants. But before you make any decisions, it's important to know all your options and of course… What is the difference between buying and leasing? When you finance or buy a vehicle, it becomes yours. You're free to drive it as many miles as you want and customize it as you see fit -- whether that's upgrading the wheels, adding custom paint or sticking a bumper sticker on the back. When you lease a vehicle, you're really just borrowing it from the dealership. The dealership still owns the vehicle and they'll want to sell it when your lease is up. So when you lease, you need to follow the rules you agree on in a leasing contract. So, you'll probably have to watch your mileage, stick to a maintenance schedule and agree to return the vehicle in the same condition it was when you leased it. Buying and leasing offer distinct advantages and disadvantages, depending on your own personal needs. So what's right for you truly depends on your plans for the next few years. So let's take a look at some of the pros and cons to consider when it comes to buying or leasing your next vehicle. Pros and Cons of Buying The vehicle is yours. You can customize your vehicle however you want and it's yours until the day you decide to sell it.You can rack up as many miles as you need without worrying about a cap.You are free to sell your car whenever you want.You'll likely need a higher down payment than a lease.Your monthly payments will probably be higher too -- but once your car's paid off, you won't have any payments.You're responsible for all of the maintenance costs beyond warranties. Pros and Cons of Leasing The vehicle belongs to the dealership. You're going to borrow it for a set term (usually 2 or 3 years)You can typically get more options and a "better" vehicle for less money per month than if you were to buy.Repair costs are lower since most warranties cover repairs for the first three yearsYou can get a new car to drive every two to three yearsYou'll need to monitor your miles and pay fees if you go over the agreed amount Hopefully this guide has been helpful. You might also find this quick "Buy or Lease" questionnaire helpful too. It's designed to help you determine which option might be best for your needs. If you're still not sure or just want to talk to one of our financing experts, please reach out anytime. We'll be happy to help you.