Cadillac XT5

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.

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.

Even if you have great luck and religiously lock your car doors, you still can fall victim to car theft. Every 45 seconds, a car is stolen somewhere in the U.S, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Here are tips to prevent your vehicle from being stolen: • Keep your vehicle locked at all times, even while driving.• When parked, never leave your keys in the car. Close all the windows and the sunroof.• Never leave your car running and unattended.• Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle where passersby can see them.• Install an anti-theft system in your vehicle if it doesn't have one. Thieves are reluctant to steal vehicles if they know the cars can be recovered quickly.