How to Get Your Used Car to 200,000 Miles and Beyond
Now more than ever, it makes perfect economic sense to keep your car in good condition and running rather than trading it in for a newer model. If you’ve bought a used car within the past fifteen years, chances are it has outstanding fuel efficiency, modern safety upgrades, and is loaded with the latest navigation and infotainment technology.
No matter what kind of used car you own, these quick maintenance tips will help you get your vehicle to 200,000 miles and beyond.
4 Biggest Tips to Keep your Used Car Running Like New
The average U.S. car driver has a vehicle that is over 10 years old. Keeping your car well maintained will not only keep it alive past 200,000 miles, but could have it running better than most newer vehicles. Here’s how:
Stay on schedule
The first step in maintenance for any used car owner is to keep up with your service schedules without missing a beat. Read your vehicle’s service manual for mileage maintenance markers and make a calendar to stay on a reliable schedule for changing your oil, filter, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, and more. For those cars that use synthetic engine oil, the time between oil changes is even longer – but don’t forget! Missing even one routine service could damage your vehicle.
Maintain Your tires
At least once a month, it’s recommended that you check your tire pressure. Not only will this give you a smoother ride and get you consistent mileage, but you’ll also curb the risk of major alignment and brake issues. Always check the tread on your tires during a routine service, and don’t skimp on a better set if you are a daily commuter.
Don’t skimp on replacement parts
You’ll need to change your spark plugs, hoses, mufflers, timing belts and more over the life of your vehicle. To get it past 200,000 miles, always opt for manufacturer’s parts over generic parts. Purchase high-performance fluids and oils and extend the life of your vehicle. Time will wear any vehicle down, so do your best to slow it down. You’ll save more in the process.
Check your liquids
Cooling systems, hoses, and pumps inside of used cars have it rough. If you fall out of the habit of checking and replacing fluids, you run the risk of a cracked radiator, busted hoses, or worse! During summer months, always check on your wiper fluid, radiator coolant, and water levels. During the winter, always give your car time to thaw. If you notice any odors or sludge, bring it to a service center asap.
Reliable Used Car Service in and Around Madison, WI
Finding a mechanic you trust and scheduling service for your used car is easy. With over 20 locations and more than 50 years of selling and servicing vehicles in Madison, Wisconsin and the surrounding areas, Zimbrick Inc. is the quickest, most reliable place to keep your car up and running well past the 200,000-mile mark. With a full line of services, preventative maintenance and more, you’ll stay in peak condition for years to come. At Zimbrick, you’re in good hands.
5 Myths That Won’t Actually Improve Your Gas Mileage
We’ve all heard them one way or another: tricks for improving gas mileage that sound like they could be true. But how do we separate the phony from the legitimate? Doing right by your gas tank ensures that you get the most bang for your buck. So let’s take a look at the facts. Here are five myths about gas mileage that could save you time and trips to the pump.
5 Common Misconceptions About Your Gas Mileage
Premium gas is the only way to go
We’ll classify this claim as mostly myth. Since premium gas contains a higher octane level than regular or mid-grade, it does help to prevent pre-ignition on luxury and high-performance vehicles. But for most cars, depending on make and model, regular gas should work just fine. Otherwise, you could be wasting your money.
Independently-owned stations offer bogus gas
Buying the brand name doesn’t always offer any particular benefit, and gas is a great example. In fact, smaller stations are generally supplied by larger companies, so their products are very comparable.
Filling up in the morning gets you more gas
Have you ever heard that buying gasoline before daytime temperatures have peaked will help stretch your dollar? It probably sounded too good to be true — and for good reason. Cooler gasoline is denser. But since most stations keep their gas underground, any temperature change above ground has no effect on the quality of the product.
You should “warm” your car before you drive it
Letting your car run for an extended period of time before driving it is old news, thanks to modern fuel-injected drivetrains. Cars are most efficient at regular operating temperature, so if you’re taking a considerable amount of time to let your car warm up, you’re just wasting gas.
Driving with the windows up spares fuel economy
You probably know that using your air conditioner decreases your car’s fuel efficiency. But you’ve also heard that driving with the windows down affects your car’s aerodynamics, and thus drains your gas tank at an accelerated rate. Thankfully, there is no evidence that suggests your car performs more efficiently with the windows up. So let them down and enjoy the breeze.
Boost Your Fuel Economy in Madison, WI
Of course, none of these debunked myths are going to matter much without a fuel-efficient car, truck, or SUV. Luckily, we carry a wide selection of new and used cars for sale at Zimbrick. Contact us about availability or visit any of our Madison dealerships today.
What Should You Ask When Buying a Car?
Buying a car is a big step for all parties involved, and you want to make sure you’ve got all the answers to the most important questions. So where do you begin? Zimbrick is a great place to start. We help car-buyers make the best decisions every day. Below, you’ll find a series of questions you’ll want to ask yourself when searching for a car.
5 Car-Buying Dilemmas to Answer this Year
Is buying or leasing the better decision?
Answer: The answer to this question isn’t a matter of which option is better, but rather which one is more appropriate for you. Both buying and leasing have their respective benefits. If equity in your purchase is a must-have for you, then buying is the way to go. But if you’re after lower average monthly payments, leasing might be the route to take.
Should I buy new or used?
Answer: It all boils down to your preference and your budget. New cars provide a clean slate and carry the latest and greatest features — but at a higher price point. When properly serviced and maintained, used cars offer a more practical alternative. Whichever way you go, Zimbrick carries an extensive selection of quality new and used cars for sale.
How do I find the right brand?
Answer: Car shoppers generally fit into one of two categories: Those who are brand loyalists, and those who just want a great deal regardless of the nameplate. We cater to either at Zimbrick. We also understand that research, in-person examination, and test-driving are all pivotal steps in selecting the right car brand.
Is a certified pre-owned (CPO) car worth it?
Answer: In short, the answer is yes. If you have your heart set on a brand new car, then go for it. But if you want a like-new car with a cheaper price tag, buying CPO is something you should give some serious thought. CPO cars are thoroughly inspected, and many are still under warranty. That’s why we stock a large selection of CPO cars for sale at Zimbrick.
Should I buy a luxury car?
Answer: If you have the budget, you can’t go wrong. Luxury cars boast exhilarating road manners and lavish comfort features. But since they do come with a higher cost, you’ll want to make sure you get one from the right place. It’s a good thing Zimbrick offers a generous supply of service coupons.
Make the Right Call in Madison, WI
At Zimbrick, we want to use our Loving Care Service to help you answer these questions. Contact us now for professional consultation that keeps your best interest in mind. If you’re ready to take things a step further, visit us at one of our 16 dealerships in the Madison, Wisconsin, area.
5 Fall Car Care Tips to Be Thankful For
Fall means a lot of things in Madison, Wisconsin: changing leaves, brisker temperatures, football, Thanksgiving, and more. But it also means that winter is coming. It’s no secret that winter can take a toll on your car. But you don’t have to let it get the best of you.
At Zimbrick, we know that the key to successful winter driving is an early jump start on fall maintenance. That’s why we offer both year-round service and winter service at any of our locations. For more details, check out our five fall car care tips:
How to Have Fall Fun in Madison, WI
It doesn’t get any better than fall in Madison, Wisconsin. But with so many available seasonal activities, how do you choose what to do? Lucky for you, nobody knows Madison like your friends at Zimbrick. Here are five options we’ve narrowed down for you.
5 Fantastic Fall Places to Visit in Madison
Dane County Farmers’ Market
What would fall be without vegetables like squash and sweet potatoes? You don’t have to find out, thanks to the Dane County Farmers’ Market. With an array of markets to choose from, you’ll get an opportunity to enjoy fresh produce and support local farmers.
Enchanted Valley Acres
Fall is a family season, and Enchanted Valley Acres is one of the family-friendliest destinations in Madison. Traditional activities like corn mazes, hayrides, and pumpkin patches await whomever you can fit in the car.
Quarry Ridge
You can’t fully appreciate the beauty of autumn without stopping to take in the scenery. Quarry Ridge enables you to do that while getting in some fresh air and exercise. Only five minutes away from downtown Madison, this recreation area is home to some of the best hiking and mountain biking in the state.
Schuster’s Farm
For a great way to get into the mood for the fall holidays, Schuster’s Farm is a choice you can’t pass up. This place has it all, from a haunted forest for the adults to dozens of barnyard attractions, like animals, mazes, and pumpkins, for the kids.
REAP Harvest Gala
Savoring the flavors of fall has never accompanied such a good cause. When you attend the Harvest Gala on November 4, you’ll get to indulge in some amazing eats. But more importantly, your price of admission will help fund REAP’s efforts to build a healthy and sustainable local food system.
Fall in Love With the Season in Madison, WI
Finding something to do this season is easy. But you can’t fall into the fun without a great car to get you where you want to go. At Zimbrick, we have a solution. We carry a wide range of new and used cars and SUVs. Contact us now to talk about your options.
The 5 Best Ways to Winterize Your Car
Fall is finally in full swing here in Madison, and with colder temperatures on the horizon, winter isn’t far behind. In the coming days, you’ll probably hear a lot of talk about winterizing your car. But what exactly does that mean?
Good question. In the most basic sense, winterizing your car means optimizing it for the harsh winter months ahead. While that might sound daunting, it’s nothing to stress over. At Zimbrick, our experts specialize in service — and gearing your car, truck, or SUV up for winter is no exception. Here are a few ways we can help you winterize your vehicle.
5 Ways to Winterize Your Car at Zimbrick
Antifreeze and Fluid Checks
The temperature isn’t the only thing freezing in the wintertime. If your car doesn’t have the right fluids, you run the risk of it freezing up, too. Our technicians will ensure that you have the right antifreeze and water blend. Plus, we can replace your wiper fluid with a freeze-proof alternative.
Battery Testing and Replacement
As the leaves fall, so does your battery’s capacity. Unfortunately, your battery doesn’t have the option of hibernating for the winter. That’s why we’ll conduct a thorough check of cables, terminals, and fluid to make sure your battery doesn’t let you down when you need it the most.
Brake Inspection and Repair
Walking through a winter wonderland is a magical experience. Driving through one, however, is a different story. You’re going to want to know that your brakes are prepared for the tricky road conditions ahead. While it might be too early to have your brakes replaced, the pros at Zimbrick can inspect them, repair them, and ultimately ensure that they’re fit for the holidays.
Oil Change
Oil is an important component of your car year-round, but it’s especially critical in the winter months. If the oil in your vehicle is too thick, it could freeze. Consider putting a thinner oil on your wish list.
Winter Tire Installation
Dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh might be fun, but it’s nothing to play around with in your car. Worn or insufficiently filled tires are dangerous on slick roads. That’s why we offer tire replacement and rotation. But if conditions get especially brutal in your neck of the woods, our specialized winter tires are the way to go.
Winterize Your Ride in Madison, WI
See one or more ways Zimbrick can whip your car into shape for the winter months? Schedule a service appointment at any of our 16 locations in the Madison, Wisconsin, metro area. We want to make winter the most wonderful time of the year for you.
What’s the Difference Between Used and CPO?
When you’re buying a car, there are a ton of decisions to make — from color and body style to safety features and entertainment options. But before you can get into the year, make, and model, you have to decide on one of three categories: new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO).
While the definition of a new car is pretty much a given, the difference between used and CPO isn’t so cut and dry. That’s why we’re diving deep into the subject with an in-depth look into what separates the two below.
Keep reading to learn more.
4 Key Differences Between Used and Certified Pre-Owned
Criteria
The biggest difference between used and CPO vehicles is a matter of standards. To be established as certified pre-owned, a vehicle must undergo a rigorous, multi-point inspection to meet specifications set by the manufacturer. Each manufacturer has its own expectations, but if deemed worthy, a certified pre-owned vehicle earns a stamp of approval for like-new quality. Used cars, on the other hand, are not subject to such exhaustive requirements.
Cost
Prices vary from car to car, but the cost of a CPO vehicle is substantially different from that of a regular used vehicle. In fact, certified pre-owned vehicles are $1,500 more expensive than non-certified used cars on average. Both, however, are more cost-effective than new vehicles for shoppers on a tighter budget.
Warranty
Because CPO vehicles are subject to several manufacturer requirements, such as model year restrictions, many of them still offer the benefits of their original warranties. As a result, you might find special features like services and financing options that you won’t get in just any used vehicle. But make sure you do your homework. Many CPO vehicles are close to the end of their warranties.
Usage
There aren’t any particular limitations for what condition a used car might be in, but that’s not the case for a CPO vehicle. Manufacturer-trained professionals must check a pre-owned vehicle to ensure that there isn’t too much wear and tear. That’s why most CPO vehicles will have significantly less mileage than their used counterparts.
Choose a Great Used or CPO Vehicle in Madison, WI
At Zimbrick, we don’t show favoritism — we offer a vast inventory of new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles across any of our 16 locations. Contact us for any questions you might have. Regardless of what type of car fits your needs, we’re here to help.
A lot goes into buying a car — nobody knows that better than you. You’ve done your research, narrowed down your list of models, and you’re ready to head to the dealership. Now all of your hard work is about to pay off because it’s time for the good part: the test drive.
It’s true that test driving a car you’ve never been in before is fun, but like anything else, there’s a right way to go about it. You don’t want to be part of the 16% of car buyers who skip out on test drives altogether. You want to be caught up in the moment, but not so much that you don’t pay attention to what the car is telling you. But what exactly is that?
At Zimbrick, we’ve tagged along for a test drive or two, so you can count on our advice. Here are a few things to consider for when you go on yours.
5 Things to Look Out for on Your Test Drive
Acceleration
Now and then you can afford to take your time and not be in a hurry. Other times — like when you’re pulling out into traffic — you can’t. There’s nothing worse than a car that feels sluggish when you put your foot on the gas. Make sure the car that you test drive has strong, lag-free acceleration so that you can have pep in your step when you need it.
Braking
Being able to stop on command is one of the most important aspects of driving. You don’t want any vibrating, grinding, squeaking, or squealing when you press the brakes. If the vehicle you’re driving has a brake pedal that feels “spongy,” it’s time to move on. Find a car, truck, or SUV with even and responsive braking for best results.
Comfort
While performance is important, ride comfort isn’t something you want to ignore. Keep your ears open for a seamless, quiet ride. Keep your eyes open for spacious, well-appointed seating surfaces. Trust us: your passengers will thank you. And if you’re someone who spends a lot of time on the road, a comfortable ride is something you’ll thank yourself for, too.
Handling
Driving should be both fun and practical, but it can’t be either with cumbersome steering. Maneuverability is an integral characteristic of your day-to-day drive because you don’t want to work any harder than you have to. On your test drive, you’ll want to make sure everything feels right.
Visibility
Your ability to see the road varies greatly based on vehicle type. While a lot of this gets chalked up to preference, maintaining visibility is of the utmost importance when it comes to your safety. Before and during your test drive, familiarize yourself with your car’s blind spots and make sure that you’re comfortable with your vantage point. It will go a long way in ensuring your confidence.
Put Your Test-Driving Expertise to the Test in Madison, WI
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to make the most of your experience. At Zimbrick, we have a vast selection of new and used vehicles available for you to test drive at any of our 16 locations. Get started today by contacting us now.
Let’s talk about dashboard lights. It’s only natural to fear the worst when you see one of them light up on your dashboard. But there’s no need to fret. Many of your dashboard lights — such as your parking brake icon or your headlights indicator — are present on a daily basis. Others may signal trouble, but not usually something that puts you in immediate danger.
So take a deep breath because we’re here to shed some light on common dashboard symbols and their meanings. And if it turns out that you need to have your car serviced after reading our infographic below, we’ve got you covered there, too. Dashboard lights and their meanings vary from brand to brand and vehicle to vehicle. That’s why it’s a good thing that we have experience with up to 15 different manufacturers at Zimbrick. Contact us online, browse our service coupons, or schedule an appointment today.
There’s nothing more important than making a difference. That’s why at Zimbrick, we’re proud of our standing within the automotive marketplace — but we’re even prouder of our presence within the Madison, Wisconsin, community. Providing outstanding cars and services is our business, but giving back to the community is our passion.
Over the past 50 years, we’ve forged priceless bonds with a number of entities in the area. Keep reading to learn about a few of the causes we support — and why we support them.
3 Great Causes We Care About at Zimbrick
Education
Knowledge is the key to a brighter future for the entire community. That’s why we’re pleased to partner with educational organizations such as the Madison College Foundation, Automotive Youth Educational Systems, and the Middleton and Monona Grove DECA Clubs. Each of these entities equips Madison’s next generation of leaders with the tools they need to be successful.
We also enjoy sponsoring programs like FutureQuest, which allow us opportunities to give back directly and share what we’re passionate about.
Health
We take pride in being a resource as well as a shoulder to lean on when people need it most. Whether it’s conducting blood drives through our partnership with the American Red Cross or delivering meals to Independent Living, Inc., we strive to ensure the well-being of Madison residents.
It’s that same drive that fuels our support for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® and Hyundai Hope On Wheels in their cancer treatment efforts.
Environment
Our physical environment says a lot about who we are. That’s why we work hard to preserve it through programs like Adopt-A-Highway. But our social environment is equally as important. We foster relationships and hold fundraisers through the United Way of Dane County. As a proud past winner of the United Way Innovation award and a top ten contributor, this is a role we take seriously and look to carry forward for many years to come.
Find out How to Get Involved in Madison, WI
Want to learn how you can get more involved? Follow us on Facebook to stay posted on service events in the Madison, Wisconsin, community. To learn more, contact us today. We’re happy to discuss the above causes and more.
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