Why Should You Winterize Your Car?
Winter weather can have a significant impact on the operation of your car. If you don’t take the proper precautions, cold weather and inclement elements may compromise the safety and reliability of your vehicle.
We’re proud to offer winterization services here at our service center in Madison, Wisconsin. Schedule an appointment with us at any time. For now, here are some of the primary reasons why we’d recommend winterizing your vehicle:
Why Winterize Your Vehicle?
- Winterization can help you save money in the long run. By making smaller investments now, including investments in antifreeze and new windshield wipers, you can potentially avoid more serious hazards or maintenance issues. In the long run, these smaller winterization steps can actually prevent you from more costly vehicle repair needs.
- Winterizing is a way to preserve your tires. Buying new tires can be expensive, and sooner or later, it’s something that all vehicle owners need to do. However, by ensuring that your tires are properly inflated for the winter season, you can actually extend the lifespan of those tires for a little while longer.
- Winterization keeps you and your passengers safe. Winterization isn’t just about preserving your car, or about saving you money. It’s also about keeping you safe. New windshield wipers improve visibility. The right tire care improves your traction, even when driving on icy or snow-covered roads. Winterization protects you and the people on the road with you.
Learn More About Winterization from Our Car Dealership in Madison, WI
At Zimbrick, we’re committed to helping our customers maintain their vehicles throughout the seasons. We provide a full winterization service, which includes:
- Electric start installation
- Tire inspection and winter tire installation
- Antifreeze and fluid replacement
- Brake inspection and repair
- Battery testing and replacement
- Wiper windshield replacement
We’ll take a look at your car and let you know what it needs to be winter-ready. Additionally, we’d love to show you our inventory of new and used cars in Madison, WI, and to talk with you about additional maintenance and upkeep services. We invite you to schedule an appointment with our car dealership in Madison, WI at your convenience.
As a car owner, it’s crucial that you bring your car to a reputable service center for regular maintenance to help ensure a long vehicle lifespan. However, in some instances, you may need to slightly modify your maintenance schedule to fit your driving habits, especially if you are considered a “severe driver.”
Drivers typically fall into one of two categories: normal or severe. Despite the name, a very small percentage of people are considered normal drivers. A majority of drivers, especially those with daily commutes, are more likely to be classified as “severe.”
A few ways to find out if you’re in the category of severe drivers is to look at your typical driving experience. If you find yourself regularly driving in a climate with high humidity, an area where there’s lots of dust, or a location with temperatures that can either exceed 90 degrees or drop below 10 degrees, then you may be a severe driver. In addition to this, you may be part of this group if you take frequent short trips, or trips that involve a lot of stop and go traffic (such as rush hour traffic).
Your car itself can also factor into whether you’ll be classified as a severe driver. “Fleet vehicles” such as tow trucks, police cars, taxis, and delivery vehicles experience a lot of extra wear and tear. Regular maintenance isn’t enough to keep them running smoothly, so it’s best to have them follow a severe driving maintenance schedule as well.
While a normal maintenance schedule involves a review of the entire vehicle, a severe driving maintenance schedule focuses primarily on car fluids, like transmission oil, brake fluid, and engine oil. Make sure that you schedule severe driving maintenance in addition to your normal check-ups.
Schedule Car Maintenance in Madison
If you live in the greater Madison region and you think it’s time for your car to come in for maintenance, then reach out to us at Zimbrick Automotive, one of the top Madison car dealers. Our dealerships for used cars in Madison features a service center that’s staffed with highly qualified and experienced service technicians who will help you ensure your car is always in excellent shape.
The Benefits of Buying Certified Used Vehicles
Historically, auto dealerships have provided two basic options: Brand new cars straight off the factory floor, or used vehicles. Today, there is a third category, and in some ways, it offers the best of both worlds. Certified used cars aren’t brand new, but they are generally fairly contemporary, and come with low mileage. At the same time, these cars are priced lower than new vehicles, and they don’t come with the same depreciation you’d get with a new model. They’re also thoroughly inspected by certified technicians to ensure they live up to their manufacturers’ always-high standards for certified used vehicles.
The next time you visit one of our car dealerships in Madison, WI, you may want to think seriously about certified used cars. Here are just a few of the reasons why.
The Advantages of Certified Used Cars in Madison, WI
- These cars are very gently used. In order to qualify for a certified used program, vehicles must have low mileage, and they can only be a few years old. Different programs vary, but generally, certified used cars have no more than 70,000 to 100,000 miles. Additionally, most are no more than six years old.
- These cars are rigorously inspected. As mentioned above, certified used cars are meticulously evaluated to ensure their safety and reliability. The inspection process is always exacting and should offer you some peace of mind, since you’ll know that the car you’re buying is in good shape.
- Depreciation isn’t an issue. It’s often said that new cars lose half of their value when you drive them off the lot. Certified used cars have already borne the brunt of depreciation, which means they provide better value.
- You’ll often get a robust warranty or guarantee. While certified used cars are usually slightly pricier than regular used cars, they come with strong warranties and/or guarantees. For many buyers, the trade-off is well worth it.
Learn More About Certified Used Cars in Madison, WI
Our used car dealerships in Madison, WI are proud to offer a full line of certified used cars, making it easy to maximize your value. We’d love to show you some of the options. To test drive a certified used car or truck, join us at Zimbrick Automotive at your next opportunity.
Why Buy Your Next Used Car from a Dealership?
There are countless reasons to consider buying a used car. For example, when you buy used, you can get a reliable vehicle for a much lower price than what you’d pay if you bought a car brand new. Today’s cars are made to keep running for many miles, meaning that even a used car with a high odometer number can provide you dependable transport for many years.
As you consider making a used car purchase, you may wonder whether you should buy from a dealership or from a private seller. We highly recommend seeking a reputable used car dealership in Madison, WI such as one from the Zimbrick Automotive Group, and here’s why:
Why Buy from Used Car Dealerships in Madison, WI?
- At a dealership, you can see some real variety. Don’t like the first used car you test drive? At a dealership, you’ll have a virtually limitless inventory to explore. If you try to buy from a private seller but don’t like what they’re selling, you’re back to the drawing board.
- Dealerships have reputations that you can verify. It’s usually very easy to ensure that the dealership you’re working with is reputable, whether by reading online reviews or checking BBB accreditation. It’s comparatively harder to size up private sellers.
- At a dealership, you can consider Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles. Certified pre-owned vehicles are carefully vetted to ensure quality. Generally, they are fairly new and have low mileage, yet they still offer price savings. You’ll only find CPO programs at reputable dealerships such as ours from the Zimbrick Automotive Group.
- You’ll feel safer heading out for a test drive. You should never buy a car without a test drive. You may or may not feel safe test driving with a stranger, but working with a reputable dealer should provide some peace of mind.
Find Used Cars in Madison, WI
Used cars can offer incredible value. By buying from a reputable dealership, they may also provide you with every assurance that you’ve gotten a great new ride.
Ready to test drive some used cars in Madison, WI? We’d love to show you our inventory. Reach out to us at your convenience to set up a test drive at one of our locations.
How to Celebrate National Drive Electric Week
As we come upon this year’s National Drive Electric Week, we’re reminded of the value of driving electric vehicles. Not only are they more cost-effective, but they’re also much better for the environment. With the Earth’s ozone layer in danger, it’s crucial that we all do our part to protect it, and that includes raising awareness with National Drive Electric Week.
There are three primary ways to support and partake in National Drive Electric Week:
- Attending
You can attend one of the many events taking place across the United States. At these events, you’ll be able to meet other electric vehicle drivers and check out the various electric-vehicle-themed vendors.
- Volunteering
You can volunteer your time by sharing your experience driving electric vehicles, helping to organize an event, or registering a new event to speak with like-minded electric vehicle enthusiasts.
- Sponsoring
Without the help and funding from sponsors, many of these events can’t take place. National and local sponsors, such as government agencies, environmental non-profits, and automakers can join in the effort to raise awareness about the benefits of driving electric vehicles.
Check Out Our Electric Vehicle Options
If you own an electric vehicle, then you can be proud of the fact that you’re doing your part for the environment. However, if you don’t have an electric car but you’re hoping to change that, feel welcome to learn about the various makes and models available, such as the ones at Zimbrick Automotive.
One of the available electric vehicle types that you can find at our dealership is the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro SUV. This is a single-speed automatic sport utility vehicle that comes equipped with a spacious interior and cargo space and a sleek and stylish appearance. If you want a proper vehicle for your weekend excursions or for your weekly trips to the grocery store, then the ID.4 Pro may be right for you.
If you want to check out the ID.4 Pro or any of our other electric vehicles in Madison, contact Zimbrick Automotive of Madison, Wisconsin, and speak with one of our sales professionals today. We’ll review all our available electric cars for sale in Madison and help you set up a test drive.
Why Going Electric Is Better Than Ever
As we strive to become an eco-conscious society, investment in electric cars over fuel-dependent vehicles is growing in popularity. Although conventional cars are still the most widespread option, it’s becoming easier to find electric cars for sale every day.
The question now is: what exactly are the benefits of buying an electric car? Comparisons between electric and conventional cars can be complex, so we’ve de-mystified several of the key benefits to going EV below.
Key Incentives to Buy Electric
- EVs are much better for the environment
Because fully electric vehicles don’t have a traditional fuel exhaust system, they don’t produce any carbon emissions. This leads to significantly less toxins that eat away at the Earth’s ozone layer.
- They save on fuel and require less maintenance
As gas prices continue to rise, it’s becoming more cost-effective to go with a car that runs on electricity since charging a car is typically cheaper than filling it with gas. Electric engines also have fewer moving parts than conventional cars, so you don’t need to worry about oil changes, filter replacements, or other maintenance and repair headaches.
- Monetary benefits
The US government is highly encouraging people to go green when it comes to their driving habits. There are numerous tax credits, sales deals, and incentives for car buyers who decide to go the electric route. When combined with the fuel and maintenance savings, your short and long term costs decrease with an electric car.
- Better performance
Electric cars are typically cutting edge and offer quick instant torque acceleration, exceptional handling, and unparalleled performance. If you want a car that’s as fun to drive as it is efficient, then an electric model is the right option for you.
Come Check Out Our Electric Car Inventory
Do you think it’s time that you invest in an electric car? If so, we recommend you contact our dealership and speak with one of our sales representatives. We’re happy to help you choose the electric cars we have for sale here in Madison, WI. Visit any time and take one of our EVs for a test drive today!
What Does Gap Insurance Cover?
The world of auto insurance can be confusing to navigate, which is why it’s crucial that you work with a reliable insurance agent to ensure you’re properly covered. One of the most misconstrued concepts is gap insurance—a special form of insurance that can protect you from encountering a massive loss on a loan or leased vehicle. Find more information below on gap insurance and how it can protect you.
Let’s say you lease or finance a new vehicle and get into a major accident which results in a complete loss. Even though your car has been totaled, you will still be held financially liable for paying off the remainder of your loan.
Collision insurance coverage will usually only cover the costs of the actual cash value of the vehicle (also sometimes referred to as the fair market value). This can be slightly helpful, but it means that you will still be in debt and need to pay off the remainder of your lease or loan. This is where gap insurance comes in.
In the event of a leased or financed vehicle being totaled, gap insurance can cover the cost difference between what you still owe on the car, and the insurance company’s assessment of your car’s cash value. This means you won’t need to worry about having to foot the entire bill in the case of an accident.
Even though gap insurance is great for protecting you from financial fallout after an accident, there are certain situations that it will not cover, such as the following:
– Vehicle repairs
– Down payments for new vehicles
– Extended warranties
– Financial hardships
When shopping for a new insurance policy, make sure you consider gap insurance as a supplementary benefit, especially if you are planning to lease or loan your next vehicle.
Bring Your Vehicle in to Zimbrick Automotive for Service
Zimbrick Automotive is home to a fully staffed body shop and service center, filled with experienced and knowledgeable technicians who can handle all manner of maintenance and repairs. Contact us today and ask about our service offerings and specials.
Why Entire Car Protection is Vital
Your car is a major investment. You’ll want to keep it protected because no matter how safe a driver you are, there are still instances out of your control which can lead to your car being damaged. For situations like this, it’s important that you have ECP, or Entire Car Protection, which offers warrantied protection against many interior and exterior damages.
Entire Car Protection can be extremely beneficial for you and your vehicle in the following ways:
- ECP helps with reselling
It can be hard selling a used car, but even more difficult if you’re trying to sell a used car with interior or exterior damage. No amount of vacuuming or car washes will remove the evidence of cigarette burns, cracking in the dash, or UV damage. These will severely impact the value of your car and make it harder to fetch a good price when you try to sell. With Entire Car Protection, you make sure your investment is safeguarded from these sorts of issues.
- ECP will protect your car from deterioration and lasting damage
Modern cars are constructed durably and are meant to last. However, if they’re not properly maintained and protected, deterioration and long-term damage happen much faster, and as a result you’ll find yourself needing extra repairs and service. You want to get the most life out of your car, so ECP that guards against damages like corrosive road agents and offers warranties on interiors in case of rips & tears is a great help.
- ECP improves overall safety
Entire Car Protection doesn’t only apply to aesthetics. It also impacts the safety and functionality of your car. Many ECP warranty plans offer services that keep your brakes in great condition and ensure that your tires are protected from punctures.
Get Entire Car Protection for Your Vehicle at Zimbrick Auto
If you’re in the greater Madison, WI, area and looking to get entire car protection for your vehicle, then stop by Zimbrick Auto today. With the help of our experienced service technicians, we’ll get your car ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at it. Call us to set up your appointment or contact us online today.
How to Choose Your New Car Trim Level and Options
When you’re shopping for a new car, it can be hard enough deciding what make and model to choose. Then, once you’ve picked just the right vehicle for you, you’re hit with several choices of different trim levels, options and accessories.
Car manufacturers do their best to provide something for everyone, and it’s not uncommon for a model to feature several different trim levels along with plenty of additional options and add-ons for all of them. That’s why we’ve written this guide to assist you in choosing the proper trim level and options for your next new car.
Size
Different trim levels often come at slightly different sizes. Do you need more cargo space? Is having ample leg room in the backseats critical? Consider how you plan to use your new vehicle and where you will need the most room.
Safety features
It’s pretty typical for a model family to have some safety features standard in all trims, with more advanced safety features available only in upgraded trims. Always be sure to compare which safety features come with which trim level for the vehicle you’re after and carefully decide what you need and what you can do without.
Performance
Horsepower, fuel economy, and towing capacity are just a few of the performance metrics that can vary between trim levels. Many vehicles on the market today have both standard trim levels with features favoring fuel economy and reliability and sport variants favoring engine power and high-speed performance. Determine what it is you need where the rubber meets the road to help you decide which trim level may be for you.
Infotainment and luxury features
Once you have the size, safety, and performance needs out of the way, it’s time to think about technology and luxury. For this, make two lists: Your needs and your wants. Just some of the things you’ll find at various trim levels include:
- Push-button start or remote start
- Bluetooth® functionality
- Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto functionality
- Adaptive cruise control
- Wi-Fi
- Heads-up display
- Leather seating, steering wheel, and gear shifter
Today’s new vehicles are loaded with options and accessories and deciding on a trim level is a lot like buying a house. There should be some things that are deal breakers and some things you’re willing to do without.
Location
If you live in a warm climate, you may not have much need for heated seats or all-wheel drive. These are the things that can spell the big price difference between trim levels and they may not always be necessary depending on your location.
See Your Options at Zimbrick
Zimbrick Automotive is your source for vehicles with plenty of options, features, and accessories available in the Madison, WI area. Our new car selection includes many different makes and models, each with accompanying trim levels and upgrades. Additionally, our online inventory search makes it easy to filter by features, performance, color, and more to help you zero in on the best vehicle for your needs.
The best way to finalize your decision is to come in for a test drive so you can try out all the available trim levels and features yourself and discuss your options with our friendly, knowledgeable team members. Visit your nearest Zimbrick today for help choosing your next vehicle.
How to Build the Perfect Road Trip Kit for Your Car
Summertime is road trip season and drivers all over America will be gathering their friends for long hauls in their cars, trucks, and SUVs. A road trip can be spontaneous, so it’s wise to keep some items in your vehicle for whenever the mood for an adventure strikes.
Below is a list of 10 items needed to make up the perfect road trip kit for your car.
1. First aid kit
It’s always a good idea to keep a first aid kit on board, but they’re especially useful on road trips where you may be in unfamiliar territory and far away from any medical clinics.
2. Flat tire fix
There should be space in your trunk for a donut tire with a tire iron or a flat tire sealant. Neither one of these items is designed to travel long distances, so it’s wise to keep both on hand in the event you suffer a flat tire far from civilization.
3. Coolant
Summertime road trips will keep the air conditioning running for long stretches at a time, which can potentially overheat your vehicle if you’re low on coolant. Keep a container of coolant handy and keep an eye on that engine temperature gauge.
4. Multipurpose tool
A multipurpose tool can always come in handy if ever you need scissors, a screwdriver, knife or any other simple tools. You never know what you might need on a road trip while your toolbox is back at home in the garage.
5. Snacks
What’s a road trip without snacks? Keeping some non-perishable items in the car can not only save you from having to make grocery stops on your trip, but also save you a little money as well.
6. Pillows and blankets
Someone may want to get a little shut-eye during the inevitable long drives, so some pillows and blankets can be good to keep in your road trip kit, especially if you’ll be taking turns driving with a fellow traveler.
7. In-car phone charger
It’s just too easy to forget your phone charger, especially for a more spontaneous road trip. Keep a car charger on hand so either you or your passengers can plug in as needed.
8. Books
A book of jokes, riddles, brain teasers, trivia, or other activities can keep passengers entertained and engaged with one another during any particularly long and/or uneventful drives.
9. Trash bag
The trash from food and drinks can really pile up on a road trip. A trash bag is a small and easy object to store in your road trip kit that can make a big difference in the comfort and cleanliness of your journey.
10. Spare cash
Keeping a small amount of spare cash hidden in your car is a smart choice, as you may encounter a cash-only business if your trip takes you across rural areas. What’s more, that business may just be something you can’t pass up, such as an ice cream stand.
Start Your Road Trip at Zimbrick
A perfect road trip kit is just part of your preparation for a long drive. But where your journey really starts is at Zimbrick Automotive in Madison, WI.
Our service center can perform any necessary repairs or preventative maintenance needed to keep you safe on your road trip. Schedule an appointment for a tuneup today and make it a road trip to remember with an assist from Zimbrick.
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