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Got The Gas Paying Blues

87 Octane Gas - Don't Knock It Until You've Tried It.

While none of the contents of this article are meant to replace your car manufacturer's recommendations or that of an expert mechanic, you just may be able to save some money on the high price of gas without noticing a decline in performance or fuel economy by using 87 Octane gas.

According to a 2019 article by Car And Driver they tested the performance of 4 cars first by filling them with 87 Octane Gas then again using 93 Octane gas.

  1. 2019 Honda CR-V

  2. 2019 BMW MF Competition

  3. 2019 Ford F-150

  4. 2019 Dodge Charger R/T

Read the full article here for all the details.

Their bottom line was:

"While Ford's EcoBoost F-150 stands out as an obvious exception, the Dodge Charger's numbers make for a tidy summary of our findings. If you buy fuel with an octane rating above the manufacturer's requirement, you're likely to feel it in your wallet more than the seat of your pants."

What Causes Your Engine To Knock?

Detonation knock is a noise you'll hear when the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders doesn't ignite properly. When this happens, it causes a pounding or rattling noise. The cause of this can be from using lower octane fuel than what is recommended for your engine, incorrect timing, or too much compression.

What Do Octane Ratings Mean?

The octane rating is a measure of how heat resistant a fuel is. This is so the fuel does not knock or ping when it is combusted. In other words, high-octane fuels are more resistant to pre-ignition and detonation.

In the past cars without modern fuel injection systems needed higher octane fuel to prevent knocking but with today's technology, most cars can run on the lower 87 octane gas without any problem.

Is There A Difference Between 87 & 93 Octane Gas?

The actual fuel is the same but the refining process for higher octane fuel is more expensive. So, if you're looking to save a few bucks at the pump, 87 octane gas is the way to go. Just be sure to check with your car's manufacturer first to see if it is okay to use.

Are You Driving Around With A Gas Guzzler?

With the average price of regular gas hitting new record highs , now might be the time to consider getting rid of your gas guzzler.

You might be surprised at how much money you can save by trading in your gas guzzler for a more fuel-efficient car.

Check out our wide selection of cars that get great gas mileage, so you can drive further for less.

Old Car Technology That Is Now Considered Standard

Car Technology Advancements That Make Life Easier For Drivers

Are you old enough to remember when air conditioning and powered windows were optional car features? How about when you had to manually unlock your doors? If you are, then you've seen firsthand how far car technology has come in just a few decades.

Nowadays, we can't imagine owning a vehicle without them. In fact, new cars are loaded with all sorts of tech gadgets and creature comforts that make the driving experience more enjoyable. Here are just a few of the car tech advancements that have made life easier for drivers.

Automatic Climate Control

Curbside Classic

"Cadillac released Comfort Control, the world’s first fully automatic climate control system in 1964. This system is an amazing accomplishment and a reminder of how GM and Cadillac really once were the standard of the world"

If you wanted that type of luxury you had to pay a pretty penny for it. Nowadays, you can find automatic climate control in even the most basic of cars. This feature keeps the temperature at a preset level, so you don't have to adjust it every time the weather changes.

Cruise Control

Another oldie but goodie is Cruise Control. Great for long road trips when you don't want to wear your foot out by constantly pressing the gas pedal. It also helps you save on gas. Just set your desired speed and the car will maintain a consistent speed, as long as you keep your foot off the brake.

Wikipedia

"Modern cruise control (also known as a speedostat or tempomat) was invented in 1948 by the blind inventor and mechanical engineer Ralph Teetor.[4][5] He came up with the idea due to being frustrated by his driver's habit of speeding up and slowing down as he talked."

Heated and Cooled Seats

Another comfort feature that has become standard in many new cars are heated and cooled seats. This is a welcome addition for those who live in climates with extreme temperatures. Heated seats warm you up on cold days, while cooled seats keep you cool on hot days.

Backup Cameras

Did you know that backup cameras originated in 1956? Although backup cameras have been around for years they started to become more popular in the early 2000s.

Backup cameras are a lifesaver, literally. They help you avoid accidents by giving you a clear view of what's behind you when you're in reverse.

Wikipedia

"1956 Buick Centurion concept car, presented in January 1956 at the General Motors Motorama. The vehicle had a rear-mounted television camera that sent images to a TV screen in the dashboard in place of the rear-view mirror."

If you've ever tried to parallel park in a tight spot without one then you know what a pain it can be. a backup camera can be a lifesaver.

Tuesday, May 1st, 2018 - The Day Backup Cameras Became Standard

Car And Driver

"If you’re shopping for a new vehicle and it doesn’t have a backup camera or the feature costs extra, then it was built before Tuesday, May 1st, 2018. That’s when the safety device became standard on all vehicles made for the American market."

Although backup cameras have been around for years they started to become more popular in the early 2000s.

Keyless Entry and Start

Just like other car technology , keyless entry and start has been around for a while but it's only recently that it has become standard in new cars. This feature allows you to unlock and start your car without ever having to take your keys out of your pocket.

What Car Technology Is Next To Become A Standard Option?

Here are some other options that are starting to move their way from the luxury category into the mainstream. The average car buyer may not be able to afford all of these features right now, but eventually, they may become standard.

1. Automatic braking

2. Lane departure warning

3. Blind spot monitoring

4. Park assist systems

5. Adaptive cruise control

6. Heads-up displays

One of the most popular car technology trends is the inclusion of hands-free capabilities, such as Bluetooth and voice-activated controls. This allows drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while still being able to control.

Do you have a car with outdated technology?

It might be time to trade it in. You deserve the latest technology in your car – and we can help make that happen. We have a huge selection of cars to choose from, and we’ll make sure the process is easy for you.

Did It Slip Your Mind

The Importance of Maintaining Your Car

Regular oil and filter changes are a crucial part of protecting your vehicle from many issues down the road. Not only do these services protect the components within your engine, but they can also be cost-effective in avoiding expensive repair bills due to negligence.

Benefits of Regular Oil & Filter Changes

Oil plays a crucial role in keeping all components of the engine in working order, yet sometimes dirt and debris can get mixed in, creating sludge that can build up and clog the system over time. This can lead to decreased performance, misfires, and even more serious issues down the road if left unchecked.

By regularly replacing oil and filters you help keep your engine from becoming bogged down by dirt or other particles, minimizing chances of major malfunctions later on in its life span. Properly maintaining oil levels helps ensure tensions between components remain at bay since they all have a constant source of lubrication needed to function properly without worrying about excessive friction leading to seizures or other potentially catastrophic events.

What You Should Do

The optimal mileage for an oil change is typically between 3,000 and 5,000 miles however this may vary depending on the type of car and oil being used as well as environmental conditions like climate or terrain being driven on regularly with the vehicle. Checking manufacturer recommendations found in your owner’s manual is important for further clarity regarding when it is best to change out a car’s engine oils and air filters.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the car maintenance you have to do? Are you worried about the cost of taking care of your car? Don't worry! You’re at the right place. We can find the right car with the right price Contact us now for any questions you may have

NOW AVAILBLE! Super PolySteel Paint & Wheel and Ti

NOW AVAILBLE! Super Polysteel Paint & Wheel and Tire Protections!

Protect your investment and save money when it comes time to trade your vehicle in with paint and wheel protection services! Select vehicles only. See salesperson for complete details. 

How Do I Know What My Payments Will Be

Several things affect your monthly car payment.  The two biggest factors are the price of vehicle, and credit score.  As a rule of thumb, every $1,000 you finance is between $25-$35 per month in payment.  Using these figures as a guideline, a $10,000 vehicle will cost about $250-$350 a month.  The third contributing factor is the length of time you choose to finance the vehicle.  We offer the most competitive term options to assure you can obtain the lowest monthly payment possible.  

What is an Extended Warranty

In a nutshell, it is insurance against future high cost repairs. You pay a known upfront cost so you can avoid getting hit with unexpected expenses when something breaks. They are available for both new and used cars. Legally only the manufacturer of a product can offer you a warranty and refer to it as such. Any third party coverage you buy is actually called a Vehicle Service Contract.

Vehicle Service Contracts are the most confusing product most dealers offer. Here at Choice Auto Sales we make it easy for our customers to understand. We are the only independent dealer in the state to offer a Lifetime Powertrain Warranty.

The level of protection available ranges from the least expensive "big ticket item" coverage to the most expensive "bumper to bumper" plans. We have done extensive research in this area. We have found the best companies to work with to offer peace of mind to our customers. 


Online Car Loan Applications


The internet has changed everything. With a world of information at their fingertips, consumers have more power than ever. Consumers can do anything from finding love to buying a home online. Car shoppers have been propelled from in-person haggling at their local dealerships to thousands of online listings from hundreds of dealers with competitive up-front pricing in the click of a button from the privacy of their own living room. The internet, offering consumers access to inventory from dealers across the nation, has driven car dealers to list their most competitive price online or be lost in a sea of a thousand dealers offering a better price to anyone with internet access. Consumers have the power to find the best car at the best price before even setting foot into a dealership and most dealership activity has been pushed out of the showroom and onto the internet. You can find a car, get an appraisal of your trade, sell your car, make your car payment and apply for credit online. Online credit applications have allowed consumers to get loan approvals in minutes without having to leave the house, much less fill out mountains of paperwork hoping to get approved. Consumers can find a car and dealership, get an offer on their trade, and secure financing all from the couch. It’s a brave new connected world but people still have plenty of questions about how online credit applications work.

Is it Safe?

With stories of identity theft almost as common as Kim Kardashian selfies, consumers are smart to be concerned about protecting their personal information. In most situations, it is the website that you need to be worried about, not the submission. Scammers will send you official looking emails taking you to phony sites set up for the purpose of stealing your information. You will think that you are getting a great deal those Captain Kirk and Spock matching salt and pepper shakers that you thought you were purchasing from William Shatner’s fan site, but in reality the link in that email sent you a to a scammer’s page hosted in Liberia. For online car shoppers, the best way to avoid identity theft while shopping is to make sure you are submitting your application on a trusted site. Use Google local business listings to verify you are on the actual business’s web site. Its fine for consumers to research and shop on generic listing sites, but when it comes time to submit an application or inquiry, go directly to the dealership’s website. Submitting information to a website that has an actual brick and mortar location will significantly decrease your chances to become a victim to a scam. When you are submitting an application for credit, check the web address of the credit application. It should be HTTP secure. The web address should begin with “https://ssl” or “https://”. The https:// stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, meaning the dealership uses encryption to collect your information. HTTPS provides protection against outside hackers gaining access to your information. It also encrypts collected data to avoid tampering or eavesdropping. Again, the most fool-proof way to avoid identity theft online is to make sure you are on the correct site and to make sure that site is connected to an actual physical business location.


Will Applying For An Auto Loan Hurt My Credit?

Since we primarily work with sub-prime borrowers, our customers can be even more concerned about damaging their credit further than a consumer with excellent credit. Our internal credit application is just that…. internal. Your information is not automatically submitted to any credit bureau, and we won’t run your credit through any bureau without talking to you first. Even though during the application process we will run your credit, it is very unlikely to damage your credit anyway. 


How Long Will It Take?

With companies fighting to make their product or service faster and faster, you can end up feeling like you’re stuck in Something About Mary’s “7 Minute Abs” argument. Just when you think someone has the fastest whatever, someone else comes out with something quicker. One only needs to study the “time to apply for car insurance” wars between Geico and Esurance. “It takes you 15 whole minutes to get car insurance?! We can do that in 7 ½ minutes!” While some things, like getting a car loan, shouldn’t be completed at a lighting pace, that doesn’t mean you should have to fill out one hundred required fields to apply for a car loan. Unless you have your employers HR department’s direct line number handy, you’re going to want to find a dealer that has a minimum required fields. At our dealership, we have slimmed down our online credit application to 8 required fields. You can enter as much information as you want but you won’t be forced to. Our only required information is First Name, Last Name, Home Phone, Address, Social, Birth date, Employment and Income. If you have these few pieces of information, we can get you a preliminary answer.


How Long Until I Get An Answer?

Some dealerships can take up to 48 hours to process your application…. and that is with excellent turn-around time. At our dealership, we use an advanced secure processing system that will use your information to give you a preliminary answer by email within 10 minutes, guaranteed. With that preliminary approval, one of our salesmen will call you. Our salesman will obtain any additional information needed to get you your car loan and will be able to provide you with options for down payment and terms.

 

How Will I Know I’m Approved

In order to qualify for approval within 10 min, you will need to enter your email address in your credit app. Shortly after initial review, you will receive a phone call from one of our salesman. Once we have obtained your information, we can determine your loan specifics like down payment, monthly payment and total loan amount. If you don’t get a call within an hour of submitting your application, call us!