How To Be More Effective When Asking A Mechanic Questions

“When I turn the radio down, I can hear a thingamabob under the hood making a noise. It’s a clanging noise…no, wait. It’s more of a knocking noise. Do you think it could be the gonkquelator?”
 
One can only imagine how many times mechanics have had discussions with customers that unfolded in the same manner. You have a car and you know it needs repaired or serviced, but that’s about all you know. It helps to have a skilled and honest auto mechanic who can answer questions about your vehicle. Building a relationship with him or her can save you time and money, and from becoming frustrated when dealing with car maintenance or repairs. Be confident when asking your mechanic questions or voicing concerns about your vehicle. Communication is the key. And it’s helpful to understand the basics about your car…and that it doesn’t have a gonkquelator…so you are able to speak intelligently about what could be going on under the hood. If you do some basic legwork via an online search or even by browsing your vehicle’s user manual, you will be able to describe what’s going on to the mechanic much more succinctly.

Keeping an auto maintenance log with questions and concerns about your car's performance to discuss with your mechanic could be helpful in diagnosing an issue. Take a few notes when your car isn't running correctly. Include when it started happening, the conditions of the road and any abnormalities you noticed like noises or odors. These details can help the mechanic determine the cause of a malfunction.

Ask questions in a confident manner and remember that you are the customer. Be direct and keep the conversation to the point. After asking a question, listen for the entire answer. Ask to be shown parts or systems being referenced to on your car. This may help you to better understand the repair. It can also bring you and your mechanic to the same level in terms of communication.

Whiteside’s service professionals will guide you through vehicle repairs and maintenance, helping you to feel more at ease as you take care of your vehicle. Contact our service department today for an appointment.

Cadillac and Maintenance

Buy a new or certified pre-owned Cadillac, and you're probably not thinking maintenance. "Maintenance" should mean more to you than "repair."

Cadillac maintenance is part of the deal you cut when you buy a Cadillac at a reputable dealer. Cadillac owners tend to be repeat and long-term owners partly because of the availability of high-quality Cadillac maintenance, some of it guaranteed and some of it preventative, and most of it both.

Those dealers boasting Cadillac Shield back every Cadillac they sell with the most comprehensive inventory of services in the luxury car market, more comprehensive than any BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, and other luxury marquees. Mobile apps, remote diagnostics, road service, premium maintenance, and customer care are other reasons to make the Cadillac choice in the first place.

Quality dealers must meet standards in performance maintenance before they can carry the Cadillac Shield. Expect benefits like:

• Personal Service Representative who makes you and your car a personal project
• Private one-on-one interview builds trust and understanding
• Comfortable waiting area catering to the luxury tastes
• Play area keeps toddlers occupied
• Fresh coffee and doughnuts daily while you watch large screen TV
• Straight answers to all your questions

Cadillac service needs you to do your share, nothing more than scheduling your routine service online. Schedule that appointment and relax in comfort or take the shuttle home. Routine maintenance assures you all is well and meets warranty requirements. Remote diagnostics use OnStar to report monthly on your vehicle performance. And, Whitesides will prove as competitive as anyone in town for oil changes and tune-ups. It's our job to make and keep your Cadillac experience all it can be - in performance, value, and safety.

It's all a reminder that, once you buy a Cadillac, new or pre-owned, you step into a new world. Maintenance and service match the standard of excellence, precision and attention to detail that makes the Cadillac label what it is - service reps, mechanics, and technicians as advanced as the vehicles they service.


For more important information from Cadillac, check out this video on Winter Driving.

What is a certified pre-owned car?

What is a certified pre-owned car? How is it different from used? If you've ever dreamed about owning a luxury or sports car but just couldn't afford to, you'll want to find out!

A certified pre-owned (CPO) car has these characteristics:

• Late model vehicle (not very old)
• Inspected and reconditioned by the manufacturer's certified technicians
• Warranty still in effect
• Financing available

What you can get from buying a pre-owned car is a great deal on a fantastic vehicle you've always coveted, with peace of mind that comes from a warranty.  A car that looks like new, drives like new, and of course will be new to you.

Have questions? Want to know more and see what's available?  Whiteside has the largest inventory of Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC vehicles in the Ohio Valley.  A family-owned business for 30 years, Whiteside is not just your average car dealer.

In addition to new, pre-owned, and used vehicles Whiteside offers:

• Certified Service Technicians - the best around
• On-line booking of appointments for service at our website
• Excellent customer service

We've been here a long time and we intend to be here a lot longer!  You can reach us by phone, e-mail, or come see us.  We would love to meet you and talk cars!

Top 5 Tips to Increase Car Value Retention

Car value retention may not be the first thing on your mind when you purchase a new car, but it definitely comes to the front when you go to sell it to a private buyer a few years later. Here are 5 tips to help you keep that new car in tip top condition for when the time comes to move on to the next. 

TIP 1:  Consider the Brand of Car Before You Buy. 

Certain cars are better at car value retention than others. Brands such as Toyota, Acura, Honda, Lexus, and Hyundai are all rated by Kelley Blue Book as brands with the best resale value. GM cars such as Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC have exceptional car value retention as well as reliability.

TIP 2:  Keep it Clean.

Although you may consider your car your second home and spend a lot of time in it, keep the trash out if you want to improve car value retention. Spending the money on a detail every few months and just before you sell the car will also make it more appealing to used car buyers when the time comes.  

TIP 3:  Keep Car Maintenance Records.

This is particularly important if you plan to get the most out of your car by selling it to a private buyer. Resale buyers don't want to invest their money in a car that has not had the oil changed on a regular basis or an air filter that has never been cleaned.  Increase the car value retention by keeping a log of all repairs in the glove box. Oil changes are great, but include such things as new tires, brakes, and winterizations, and even wiper blades. 

TIP 4:  Inspect and Repair the Finish as Needed.

This includes storing your car where it is not overly exposed to the sun and storm debris.  If you live in an area where the sun is intense, use sun shades to protect the interior.  Take care of windshield chips when they happen instead of letting them spread. Check out the car's finish and use a touch up paint to fill in any chips to prevent rust and unsightly holes. 

TIP 5:  Avoid Wear and Tear.

This doesn't mean you can't drive you car as you need to, but avoid excessive speeds, slow down when the roads gets rough such as construction areas or back roads. 

Increase your car value retention by keeping these top 5 tips in mind as you buy and drive your new car. And when the day comes to trade-in or purchase a new or used car, be sure to check out the inventory at Whiteside Chevrolet Buick Cadillac GMC for your automotive needs.

 

Get Your Car Winter Ready With This Winter Weather Auto Checklist

The harsh conditions of winter can wreak havoc on the roads and your car. It’s important to be up to date with your regular car maintenance while also paying special attention to the unique challenges winter weather can bring to your vehicle. Here’s a winter auto maintenance checklist to help you keep your car in tip top shape even when the blistering blizzards hit.

Check Your Tires

Tires should have good tread (2/32") to handle the snow, if your tires are worn down from the summer's wear, consider getting winter tires to provide the best traction. Also be sure to check the pressure in your tires. You need a well-inflated tire in order to bite down on the snow covering the hard pavement, otherwise you'll be more susceptible to hydroplaning your vehicle on winter's wet roads. 

New Windshield Wipers Blades

Windshield wipers blades should completely clear your window with each swipe so be sure to replace them if they streak as limited visibility will prove especially dangerous during heavy rains and storms. “Beam blade" style wipers are great during winter months because they have a flexible shaft which prevents the external springs from freezing up.

  

Washer Fluid Levels

Make sure you have enough washer fluid with a cleaning solution that has antifreeze properties for winter weather use. 

Battery Check

Ask a mechanic to do a battery check next time you're getting your oil changed (every 3,000 miles) to see what condition your battery is in before it's too late. Cold weather drains battery life – especially if you park your car outdoors, and a fully charged battery with secure cables is necessary for a car to start in freezing weather.

Antifreeze Level

While you're at the auto shop, ask them to check your car's coolant level to make sure you have enough of the 50/50 water/coolant mixture for winter. This is especially important if you've just moved to a much colder climate. You can also check your coolant level yourself with a quick, inexpensive tester from the car parts store.

  

Brake Inspection

Be sure to have your brakes inspected by a certified technician to ensure all components are in good working order. The slippery roads of winter is a crucial time for brakes to be in ship shape.

Lights

Check your lights and replace burnt out bulbs if necessary. For extra credit, rub car wax on your headlights to prevent ice buildup and ensure that they'll shine bright through the winter gloom.

These basic winter auto maintenance checklist items should put you in good shape this winter and keep your car working well even in the most severe winter weather conditions.

For more info about car maintenance, our specialists at Whiteside's have put together a comprehensive list for maintaining your car to make sure that it's always in good shape.

When the time comes to replace your current car, be sure to check out the vast inventory of new and pre-owned cars at Whiteside Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC. You can browse our lot without leaving the warmth and comfort of your own home.

Common Auto Repair Service to Keep You Safe

In the U.S. alone, more than 200 million licensed drivers dominate American roads, and if you're one of them, chances are that the safety and reliability of your vehicle is of the utmost importance. To ensure that you're always up to date on the latest answers to common auto repair questions, here's a few key answers to keep in mind so you can always keep your cool.

 

Transmission Fluid

 As the automatic transmission creates higher levels of internal heat, it tends to destroy the quality of your cars fluid lubrication. Because of this, internal parts, like the valve body, become varnished, interfering with the transmission. That's why changing the transmission fluid and filter in your car every 30,000 miles is a smart idea. For the type of transmission fluid your car needs, make sure to consult your drivers manual.

 

Brake Jobs

When the linings in your brakes start to wear down, or if there's brake problems such as pulling, grabbing, pedal vibration, soft or low pedal, or if a part of your brake system fails, chances that you need a brake job are likely. The best way to determine whether or not your car needs a brake job is having them inspected by an automotive professional. 

Low Battery

The car battery is an important part of your car's engine. It runs all the electrical accessories and helps start and restart the engine. Signs of a low battery are indicated by hard starting problems caused by slow cranking. Recharging your battery and restoring it back to full power prevents future damage that will keep it on the road longer and cause less headaches for you.

Auto repair questions are important to ask. Take the time to consult with Whitesides if you have any questions. It could save the life of your car.

 

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.