Brian's Fall Car Care Checklist

Brian's Fall Car Care Checklist

October is coming up and that is National Car Care Month.  Cooler weather is approaching if we want it too or not. It is best to get your maintenance completed before it arrives to avoid any problems when you are getting up in the morning to start your day or out running errands. 

Here is Brian's Top 5 Fall Car Care List.

1.  Check your cooling system.  This includes any belts, hoses, fans and water pump.

2.  Be sure to check your tire tread and tire pressure regularly.  

3.  Have your vehicle suspension and front end alignment inspected.  This should be checked at least once a year.  Be sure to also have your ball joints, steering and tire rods looked at as well.

4.  Don't get stuck in the rain or snow with bad wipers.  You should also check your defrosters and heater to ensure that they are working properly.  Best to know of any issues before you need to utilize them.

5. Oil changes should be done regularly as routine maintenance. 

What is GAP Coverage

What Is GAP Coverage?

What is GAP coverage or GAP Insurance? Do I need it? It costs extra?

These are some of the questions that you may have when you are sitting in the finance office for your next vehicle purchase.  Here is some information for you.

GAP stands for Guaranteed Auto Protection.  It is a form of auto insurance that a car buyer can get to protect themselves against a total loss.  

GAP insurance will cover the difference between your vehicles depreciated value and what you still owe if your vehicle is stolen or you are in an accident and it is a total loss.

In other words, let's say you owe $10,000 on your vehicle and you are in an accident.  Your insurance company says that it is a total loss.  They give you $5000 for the value of your vehicle. Now you are left still owing $5000 on a vehicle that you don't even have.  GAP would pay the remaining balance of $5000 and pay off your loan.  

It is wise to invest in GAP coverage to cover yourself in case of such events.

What To Do If Your In a Flooding Vehicle

Tips to Keep You Safe in a Flooding Vehicle

Summer time rain! So peaceful and relaxing, but also it can be dangerous!

Flash flooding can happen without warning and can happen in seconds!

Here are a few tips to keep you safe if you are in a flooding vehicle.

- Stay Calm, Never Panic

- Turn on your headlights and hazard lights

-Take off your seat belt

-Unlock your doors

-Lower your windows and climb out and get to higher ground.

-Never attempt to drive through the flooded road

-Call 911 for help

Keeping your Vehicle Safe from Theft

Ways to Keep Your Vehicle Safe From Theft

In Ohio the top vehicles that are targeted and stolen are Dodge Caravans, Chevy Impala's, Jeep Liberty and Cherokee, Honda Accords and Chrysler Town & Country. However, any vehicle is a target.  Here are a few tips to keep your vehicle safe.

1.  Make sure to lock your doors when you park and when you get in and close the door.

2.  Park in an area that is well lighted. Also, if you can park where there are cameras present.

3.  Never leave anything of value in your vehicle, including loose change.

4.  Never leave your car running.

5.  Many cars today come with built in alarms.  If your vehicle does not have one we suggest that getting one is a wise investment.  

Car Cleaning Hacks Part 2

Car Cleaning Hacks Part 2

We spend a large amount of time in our vehicles.  We use our car in the drive to and from work, 

running our kids back and forth to their activities and day to day errands.

We track all kinds of dirt and debris into our vehicles.  

Getting a full detail can be rather expensive.  Here are a few cleaning hacks that work to help get your vehicle back tidy and neat!

1.  Clean up the Cup Holders

Soak an old sock in all purpose cleaner. Once it is soaked then put it in the 

cup holder and twist! Simple as that!

2.  Clean the floor mats

All weather mats can be cleaned with dawn dish soap and water.  Fabric covered

mats can be washed in front load washing machine on gentle cycle.

3.  Clean vinyl and leather seats

You can use a wet Magic Eraser to scrub soiled spots.  Then mix 1/4 cup of olive oil 

and 1/4 cup of white vinegar and rub into leather seats.  This will condition the seats and 

disinfect as well. Bye Bye Germs!

4.  Make your rims and tires sparkle!

Dirt, grass, bugs and debris can take a drastic toll on your rims and tires.

Use 1/2 cup baking soda and a tablespoon of Dawn! Scrub and rinse!

Like these tips...Stay tuned for more car cleaning hacks from Rankl &Ries Motorcars!

www.ranklandriesmotorcars.com

Car Cleaning Hacks Part 1

Car Cleaning Hacks Part 1

We spend a large amount of time in our vehicles.  We use our car in the drive to and from work, 

running our kids back and forth to their activities and day to day errands.

We track all kinds of dirt and debris into our vehicles.  

Getting a full detail can be rather expensive.  Here are a few cleaning hacks that work to help get your vehicle back tidy and neat!

1.  Crumbs and Debris in Tight Places.

Use an old toothbrush or flat head screwdriver with a cloth wrapped around the end!

These items will get down into those tight spaces and gently removed dirt and grime.

2.  Dryer Sheets...YES, Dryer Sheets!

If you have those bugs stuck to the front of your vehicle, fill a spray bottle with water and wet 

the area.  Take a dryer sheet and scrub. Simple as that! Bye Bye Bugs!

3.  Foggy Headlights

Overtime headlights get dingy and foggy. This causes others not to be able to see you or you to see them clearly.  The answer? Toothpaste and Pantyhose!

Toothpaste is an abrasive and it will remove the build up off the cover.  Cover the lights with toothpaste and wipe with the pantyhose.  Then clean with Windex or other window cleaner.  For best results use toothpaste with baking soda or whitening agents.

4.  Stinky Odors?

Sprinkle your seats and floor with baking soda.  Let it sit for a few hours and then vacuum up.

Baking Soda will neutralize the smells and get your car smelling clean again.

Like these tips...Stay tuned for more car cleaning hacks from Rankl &Ries Motorcars!

www.ranklandriesmotorcars.com

Tips for Driving in the Snow and Ice

Winter Driving Tips from Rankl & Ries

Just when we start to get over the cold temps outside, Mother Nature had plans to drop some 

wicked weather our way.  We wanted to give you a few reminders on navigating through the winter roads.

1.  Make sure to clean off the ice, snow and dirt are cleaned off of your 

windows, headlight and tail lights.

2.  Make sure your windshield wipers are in working order. Consider winter blades for 

this time of the year.

3.  Keep an ice scraper in your vehicle.

4.  If the road conditions are hazardous, wait if possible before going out.

5.  Drive slow and know your brakes. Increase the distance between you 

and the vehicle ahead of you.

New Years Resolutions for your Vehicle

New Years Resolutions For Your Vehicle!

We all have made resolutions at the stroke of midnight for ourselves. What about our vehicles?

They are just as important. We count on them everyday to get us to work, take the kids to school and activities and so on.  Here are some resolutions that will help you and your vehicle in 2018!

1.  Become a more patient driver.  

2.  Keep your vehicle clean and tidy on the inside and outside.

3.  Stop texting and driving.

4.  Keep up with routine maintenance.

Fall Car Care Tips

Keep your car running smoothly with these 4 Fall Car Care Tips 

1.  If the oil is dirty or you’re at your recommended oil change time, change the oil. Also check the air filter to ensure that it is clean enough to allow for proper operation.

2.  Riding on the roads that are wet and leave covered can cause slippery conditions. Be sure to check your tire pressure and tread.  

3.  To start your car in the colder temps you need to make sure you have a fully charged battery.  You also want to make sure that all the connections to your battery are clean and tightened. 

4.  Cracked or worn wiper blades need to be replaced.  You want to make sure that you are able to see out of your windows to keep your family safe.