ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

 

 Win 2 tickets from Whiteside Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC to see the Cirque de la Symphonie at the Capitol Theatre on October 11

 

To enter:

1. Correctly identify the car in this blog by posting the answer in the comments section.
2. Share this blog on Facebook or Twitter by clicking the appropriate icon. 

The winner will be announced on this Whiteside Autos Blog site on October 9 in the comments section. Contest will run from September 24-October 8. The winner must identify the car (make and model) in the blog post correctly and share the blog (or post) on Facebook or Twitter to be entered in the drawing for the tickets. Winner must pick up the tickets at Whiteside Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC at 50714 National Road, Saint Clairsville, OH 43950. 

Our motto, "Whiteside's Gives You More!" means we want the best for you. If you're in the market for a new or pre-owned car, browse our vast inventory to see if we can give you more than a night out.

When Car Problem Symptoms Are Serious

Each vehicle has its own “personality” if you will. You know which sounds are normal when it’s running properly. So when you hear a noise or feel or smell something unusual while driving you should consider it an alert that something has changed. The big question is whether the car problem symptom is that of a serious (and costly) problem.

Avoid Major Car Repairs

Often, the key to avoiding a major repair is to address the auto problem symptom not long after it begins occurring. For example, squeaky breaks may mean it is time to replace the brake pads – not an extremely expensive venture. However, if the issue is ignored, you may have to replace the rotors, too – something that could have been avoided had the abnormal sound been looked into sooner. Of course, this will impact the cost of the repair, too.

The example of the brakes is something rather minor, and in the big picture, wouldn’t prompt you to wonder whether you should consider getting rid of your vehicle. Engine or transmission problems may be somewhat of another story – the potential of a major systems failure and a very expensive repair.

• Is the check engine light on?
• Is the car popping and locking as you try to accelerate?
• Is it stalling?

All are signs of engine trouble and should be check out by a certified technician ASAP.

Car Transmission Problems

The last thing you want is to have your vehicle stall as you’re attempting to merge into traffic. This is when mechanical problems become safety issues. A slipping transmission is another symptom of a problem that can be a safety hazard. A transmission that doesn’t get power to the wheels as you’re driving is a serious issue on the highway. If you suspect a transmission problem, be sure to check the fluid. Unlike the engine with oil use, the transmission should not “use” the fluid. Therefore, a low level can indicate a leak. The check engine light also can be an indicator that something is going to go wrong with the transmission. An auto technician can connect your vehicle to a scan tool will display a code that corresponds to the area of the vehicle causing the fault, so the proper system can be repaired.

What is “Normal” for Your Car?

Know your car and what is normal for the vehicle “personality.” Don’t delay having something unusual looked into. This may determine whether you will be dealing with a minor or major auto repair. And in a worst case scenario, if your vehicle is suffering from a major system failure, shopping for a reliable and affordable pre-owned car online is now easier than ever at www.whitesides.com.

Whiteside's offers the best auto service repair in the Wheeling, WV and Saint Clairsville, OH area. With our newly remodeled service center - we've gone the extra mile to make comfort and service our top priority.

To buy or not to buy…evaluating a used car

 

You’ve done your research, figured out what’s affordable and after months of pondering whether to purchase a new or used car, you’re opting for pre-owned. You’ve decided on a make and model, and even picked out your top three color choices. As you begin the search for the perfect used vehicle, there are a few things you should keep in mind when shopping.

Used Car Outside Evaluation

Do a walk around and look carefully at the outside of the vehicle. Look at the headlights – a cracked halogen headlamp could be expensive to repair. Check the windshield for scratches, cracks or stars. Does the paint match? Look at the overall fit of the body components. If the paint is off or something such as the trim is not lining up, this could be a sign that the vehicle has been repainted or some body work has been done. Evidence of previous body repair also can be detected in the trunk and under the hood. A small refrigerator magnet carefully placed (you don’t want to scratch the paint) along various parts of the car’s body panels can indicate that body work has been done on the vehicle. If filler is present, the magnet will not stick.

Further Inspection

While looking for signs of bodywork in the trunk, make sure that there is a spare tire and jack. (For some SUVs, the spare is stowed underneath the rear of the vehicle.) Also, check for dampness. Before and after the test drive, you will want to look for leaks underneath the vehicle. Keep in mind that if you’ve used the air conditioner, clear liquid under the car is okay. Also, take a look under the hood to examine the belts and hoses for cracking and don’t forget to check those fluids. Low levels could indicate poor maintenance.

Inside the Used Car

Inside the car, make sure that all of the equipment is functioning properly.

• Does the heater and AC work?
• How about the radio and CD player?
• Is the wear and tear on the interior of the vehicle appropriate for the car’s age and mileage?

When you’re driving, listen for strange noises and pay attention to how the car handles. And remember, with the VIN you can obtain a vehicle history report from most dealership or online. It's always best to do a little homework on the front end instead of regretting your purchase later. 

Our motto, "Whiteside's Gives You More!" means we want the best for you. Whether you buy from us or someone else, we want to make sure that you're driving a safe used car.

The Best Auto Repair Questions to Ask

Being faced with auto repairs can be daunting to those of us who don't totally get what's going on under the hood, but working with a trusted mechanic at a reputable dealer such as Whiteside Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC can take some of the sting out of the experience. In addition, asking the right questions so you have a better understanding of the repair procedure and what the final cost will be also can put your mind at ease.


So, you suspected that the grinding noise around your wheel may have had something to do with the brakes and your mechanic has confirmed that that it is the case.

• But is the problem with the brake pads only?
• Are the rotors ok?
• What about the calipers?

Be sure to ask general questions about your repair to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of what is wrong with your vehicle. The more questions you ask about the repair, the more you will know about why it is being done and what caused the problem.


Once you've received the diagnosis, of course the next thing you begin to wonder about is how much it's going to cost to fix the problem. To alleviate that stress, ask your mechanic to provide a full estimate that should include the parts that will be replaced, the cost of those parts and labor costs. Since car repairs are typically not inexpensive, inquire as to whether the parts used for the repair carry a warranty. If not, ask the mechanic if it's possible to purchase a warranty for a fee.


So, you're back on the road. Check with your mechanic to see if future repairs similar to what was done can be avoided. Do you need to change your driving habits? Is this type of repair common for the type of car you have or do you just need to be better about regular maintenance? By paying attention to your vehicle and understanding what is normal and what isn't, you'll able to make good decisions about your auto and making it last longer. 


Now that you know what to ask, schedule your next automotive service with Whiteside Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC. We service all makes and models. Our qualified service technicians are  friendly, reliable, and happy to answer any of your questions.

 

Questions About Oil Changes to Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly

Oil is the lifeblood of any vehicle, so no matter what you're driving or what you are looking to purchase, maintaining the oil level and keeping it clean is vital, and thankfully it doesn't cost much to have it changed every few thousand miles. But when exactly are you suppose to actually take the vehicle in for a change and how often are you suppose to do it?

There are a few specific oil change questions you must know how to answer, without completely relying on the small oil-change sticker placed in your front windshield. 

The Manual

The owner's manual, you know, that thick booklet inside the glove compartment that came with the vehicle? Well it has a plethora of information you need to know, including when and how often the oil needs to be changed. The exact time and amount changes by vehicle, make and model, which is why this is one of the oil change questions answered by the booklet. If you can't find the manual, check out the company website. Most manuals are not available online, so you don't have to drive around with the hefty booklet (although it is a good idea to keep it close by, in case of road side assistance help). 

Oil Life Monitor

Older vehicles with an oil life monitor generally light up when a set amount of mileage is driven. However, new vehicles made in the last few years take into consideration several different factors. It is important to listen to this monitor as it tells you when you really do need an oil change. The algorithm of these newer life monitors provide a more accurate reading of the oil, and is a good no-brainer for oil change questions and when the oil needs to be changed. However, it is also important to stay on top of your overall mileage, as sometimes these monitors don't take into consideration how hard you drive the vehicle, weather conditions and the overall age of the vehicle. 

Extended-Life Oil

You've probably seen the extended-life oil with three times the mileage over standard oil. This kind of oil is a good choice, especially when dealing with an older vehicle. It helps the engine run clean, prevents build up and reduces the frequency of necessary oil changes. Although it costs more up front, it is going to save you money in the long run with less oil changes performed.

Hopefully, this has helped to answer some of your questions about oil changes so that you know when its time to come in and get serviced. Our experts at Whiteside's Chevrolet Buick Cadillac GMC are always there to assist you and make your car running as smoothly as possible.